GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals are an outlier compared to other rebuilding teams with their approach in free agency. Being 19-49 in the last four seasons, including 3-14 last year, would paint the picture that the franchise is rebuilding. However, general manager Monti Ossenfort and owner Michael Bidwill stated during the end of season press conference that the team will try to win in 2026, and the moves this offseason has signaled those aspirations.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The average age of free agent signings for Arizona is 30.1 years old and shows the Cardinals are trying to fill out the roster with veterans for rookie head coach Mike LaFleur. However, is that the right direction to rebuild a team.
Feb 3, 2026; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur (center) poses for a photo with owner Michael Bidwill (left) and general manager Monti Ossenfort at the introductory press conference at the Cardinals training facility. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Cardinals average age of free agent signings:
Outside of the New York Jets, who signed 37-year-old Demario Davis to bring their average up way up, Arizona is clearly doing a different approach to free agency. Three teams at the top of the draft boards are planning towards the future by signing younger free agents to long-term deals. Ossenfort has done the opposite of signing 30+ years old to short one or two year deals.
Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill and general manager Monti Ossenfort speak to the press from the Arizona Cardinals training center in Tempe after the decision to fire head coach Jonathan Gannon on Jan. 5, 2026. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
With Kyler Murray’s dead money on the books, anymore trades or free agent signings this free agency period will be difficult. However, Ossenfort has created a path in 2027 where the franchise will have $193 million in cap space next offseason. That number will shrink when Ossenfort signs Michael Wilson and Paris Johnson Jr. to extensions this offseason.
Feb 25, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Regardless, it is clear Arizona is planning towards next season to start competing. The retention of Jacoby Brissett as the starter, who went 1-11 in 2025, is a clear sign the franchise is trying to get a top pick in next year’s draft. One more 3-14 record could secure the Cardinals a top pick and a chance to select the future starting quarterback in Texas’ Arch Manning or Oregon’s Dante Moore.
It is clear that the moves this offseason is to set up a massive push to compete in 2027 with massive cap space, a franchise rookie quarterback to pair with LaFleur.
Are Cardinals done making moves in free agency ahead of 2026 season
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
