GLENDALE – Former Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim is back in the conversation, and his latest comments raise a question the franchise cannot afford to ignore. If the problems are visible from the outside, why haven’t they been addressed?
Oct 20, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim against the New Orleans Saints at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
In a personal Instagram post, Keim outlined what he would do if he were still running the Cardinals. His first move would be telling the head coach that Carson Beck is starting this week. He also proposed bringing in Marvin Lewis to run the defense, seemingly replacing defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, while giving Beck an opportunity to demonstrate his potential before the organization considers drafting another quarterback.
Former GM Steve Keim has now weighed in twice this past week on what he would do…. https://t.co/yl4nnDTeob
— Birdgang Travel Club (@birdgangtravel) October 12, 2026
The plan is aggressive, but its underlying message is simple: Arizona needs answers, not another prolonged evaluation period without a clear direction. Starting Beck would give the Cardinals an opportunity to evaluate their quarterback situation with meaningful game experience. Before investing another premium draft pick at the position, the organization needs to determine whether its current options can become part of a sustainable solution.
Aug 6, 2026; Canton, Ohio, USA; Arizona quarterback Beck (19) reacts during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Defensively, a potential coaching change would signal that the status quo is no longer acceptable. Hiring Lewis, however, would not automatically solve Arizona’s problems. Any leadership change must come with a clear defensive identity and measurable improvement. Keim’s suggestions also come with an important caveat, as his own tenure remains complicated. He helped build the team that reached the 2015 NFC Championship Game, but his personnel decisions included quarterback Josh Rosen and defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche. His 2018 extreme DUI conviction and subsequent five-week suspension further damaged his standing.
Dec 13, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona general manager Keim looks towards the stands before Monday Night Football game against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Chow-Arizona Republic
That history makes this moment particularly ironic. Keim’s criticism touches concerns shared by frustrated supporters. Ultimately, the Cardinals do not need to follow Keim’s blueprint simply because he once ran the organization, but they do need to demonstrate that they have a credible plan of their own. For Arizona fans, the real issue isn’t whether Keim would make better decisions. It’s whether the current leadership can make decisions that finally change the team’s trajectory.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
