The Arizona Cardinals have not rested on their laurels thus far into 2026 NFL free agency, signing 15 outside free agents and handing out new contracts to eight returners.
However, a single elephant in the room regarding the team’s foreseeable future resulted in ESPN NFL reporter Ben Solak putting the Cardinals at the No. 16 spot in his free agency class rankings for most-improved rosters.
What helped elevate Arizona’s spot on the list were the signings aimed toward improving depth across positions of need on offense.
Solak pointed out the additions of left guard Isaac Seumalo and running back Tyler Allgeier as examples of the Cardinals finding quality talent while not having to break the bank.
The Cardinals got solid value for Seumalo, who is a better player than higher-paid free agent guards like Ed Ingram and Zion Johnson. He is just older (turning 33 in October) and thereby less attractive on the open market.
And although I’m surprised the Cardinals pursued Allgeier when his skill set is fairly redundant with James Conner (whom they retained on an adjusted one-year deal), they got a good player on an affordable contract.
On the other hand, Solak has concerns about the Cardinals’ plan in addressing quarterback.
The team made an initial pivot by releasing longtime starter Kyler Murray, but after not being able to secure a top free agent such as Malik Willis, the only addition since has been Gardner Minshew as a backup option.
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As it stands, the incumbent Jacoby Brissett is on track to return to the starting quarterback role, which leaves a lot to be desired in Solak’s mind.
I’d guess the Cardinals checked in on Malik Wills’ market but were unwilling to pay him a contract as large as the Dolphins’ offer — a fair and prudent choice. But I sure wish there was a Plan B somewhere between Willis and signing Minshew to compete with Jacoby Brissett! What year is it? 2021? The Cardinals are at least still able to draft a middle-round quarterback or trade for a young passer before camp, which would improve their stock here.
Solak is the latest reporter to give the Cardinals an average free agency mark after a C grade from Pro Football Focus and a C+ from CBS Sports.
In terms of how Arizona stacks up against the rest of the NFC West, the team sits behind the San Francisco 49ers (No. 2) and Los Angeles Rams (No. 12) but is well above the Seattle Seahawks (No. 25).
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