There will obviously be shuffling for NFL teams over the next three months, but today is the start of our roster projection series—as we try to predict how things might look for each squad when rosters are cut from 90 to 53 at the end of August.
Quarterback (3)
Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew II, Carson Beck (R)
The question mark at quarterback is when Jacoby Brissett will show up as he seeks a new contract after the organization named him the starter, and training camp would seemingly be the soft deadline to avoid the door swinging open for Gardner Minshew II or Carson Beck to push for the job. Either way, the trio is set, and I’d expect Beck will make starts at some point.
Running back (3)
Jeremiyah Love (R), Tyler Allgeier, James Conner
Tyler Allgeier and James Conner were immediately connected to the Packers following Josh Jacobs’ arrest, but Allgeier—who signed in Arizona with the expectation that he would be the starter—can’t be traded until September after signing as an unrestricted free agent. Of course, No. 3 overall pick Jeremiyah Love will be leading the backfield, and Trey Benson is the notable cut if a trade doesn’t materialize for Conner or Benson.
Wide receiver (6)
Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Kendrick Bourne, Reggie Virgil (R), Devin Duvernay, Ihmir Smith-Marsette
The top four at wide receiver is set with Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Kendrick Bourne, and fourth-round rookie Reggie Virgil. After that, Devin Duvernay and Ihmir Smith-Marsette might be competing for one roster spot as the primary returner, but the Cardinals—trying to get any edge they can to start winning games—could also opt to keep both with Smith-Marsette being the top kick returner and Duvernay being the top punt returner. Xavier Weaver, Jalen Brooks, Simi Fehoko, and Tejhaun Palmer are among those hoping to make enough of an impact this summer to stick around.
Tight end (3)
Trey McBride, Tip Reiman, Elijah Higgins
The battle at tight end will be for the jobs behind Trey McBride, and I’ll say Tip Reiman—coming off a broken ankle—and Elijah Higgins get the edge as returning players over Teagan Quitoriano. Arizona could also opt to keep four tight ends depending on if they follow the league-wide trend of 12 and 13 personnel.
Offensive tackle (4)
Paris Johnson Jr., Elijah Wilkinson, Josh Fryar, Oli Udoh
Elijah Wilkinson was signed this offseason to start at right tackle, and the Cardinals also have Josh Fryar and Oli Odoh as solid depth at the position. Christian Jones is the other name to watch if he can put things together in his third season, and perhaps he’ll benefit from a new offensive staff.
Guard (4)
Isaac Seumalo, Chase Bisontis (R), Isaiah Adams, Matt Pryor
An underrated offensive line is reason to believe the Cardinals could potentially surprise this season, and guard is now where they are strongest after signing Isaac Seumalo and drafting Chase Bisontis in Round 2. The selection of Binsontis—one of my favorite prospects in the class—will push Isaiah Adams to a reserve role, and Matt Pryor offers guard/tackle versatility after coming over from Philadelphia.
Center (2)
Hjalte Froholdt, Jon Gaines II
The backup center is one of the tougher positions to predict for Arizona, but they are fortunate to have Hjalte Froholdt not miss a game over the past three seasons. I like Jon Gaines II moving back to the pivot and making it over Hayden Conner.
Interior defensive line (6)
Walter Nolen III, Darius Robinson, Andrew Bllings, Kaleb Proctor (R), Dante Stills, Roy Lopez
Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis was kept in place by Mike LaFleur for 2026, so we can expect the Cardinals to again have a multiple scheme with versatility up front. L.J. Collier was difficult to leave off after a strong season in 2024, but he missed most of last year with a knee injury and could be the odd man out after Kaleb Proctor was taken in in the fourth round and Roy Lopez returned to Arizona following a year with the Lions.
Edge defender (5)
Josh Sweat, Zaven Collins, Baron Browning, BJ Ojulari, Jordan Burch
There have been trade rumors around Josh Sweat since Jonathan Gannon was fired, and him being moved would open another spot on the defensive line—and perhaps lead to more snaps on the edge for Darius Robinson. I’m interested in seeing if BJ Ojulari can return to form based on all the injuries he’s dealt with to begin his career, and the roster spots here appear close to set if Sweat isn’t moved.
Linebacker (4)
Mack Wilson Sr., Cody Simon, Jack Gibbens, Owen Pappoe
Sixth-round pick Karson Sharar might push Jack Gibbens and Owen Pappoe and this summer, but Gibbens made eight starts last seasons in New England, and Pappoe has been a core player on special teams over the past couple of years. If the Cardinals end up keeping a fifth linebacker, Austin Keys will also be in contention after being claimed off waivers late last season.
Cornerback (6)
Will Johnson, Max Melton, Garrett Williams, Denzel Burke, Sean Murphy-Bunting, Kei’Trel Clark
The intrigue at cornerback will be the battle for starting jobs, as Denzel Burke impressed as a rookie, and Sean Murphy-Bunting should be fully healthy having been out of action since last May. Kei’Trel Clark would seem to be the only corner who could possibly be cut (likely in favor of Elijah Jones, Jaden Davis, or Starling Thomas IV), but he’s shown well whenever on the field and is a player we’ve been high on since he was at Louisville.
Safety (4)
Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Budda Baker, Andrew Wingard, Kitan Crawford
Budda Baker is easily the longest tenured player for Arizona having been around since 2017, and I’d keep an eye on a possible trade during the season if the team starts slow again and wants to acquire draft capital for a quarterback in 2027. As things stand now, Andrew Wingard will be a key contributor on special teams, and Kitan Crawford clearly has the inside track for the other backup role at safety.
Special teams (3)
Chad Ryland, Blake Gillikin, Casey Kreiter
Chad Ryland will be in a kicking battle with Joshua Karty this summer, but that’s the only unsettled position for the Cardinals on special teams. Although he only made 75.8% of his field goals last season, Ryland was at 87.5% in 2024 and has made 10-of-14 kicks from 50+ yards in his two seasons with Arizona.