The Arizona Cardinals have their leadership group set for the 2026 season, and the list comes with a little bit of everything: a first-time captain at quarterback, a familiar face back on the honor roll, and one player who has made captaincy part of his routine.
Head coach Mike LaFleur announced the team’s 2026 captains, with the choices coming from a player vote. Arizona is going with five captains in all - two on offense, two on defense and one on special teams.
On offense, quarterback Jacoby Brissett and center Hjalte Froholdt got the nod. Brissett is a captain for the first time, while Froholdt is serving in the role for the second straight year.
On defense, linebacker Mack Wilson and safety Budda Baker were selected. Wilson is a captain for the second consecutive season as well, while Baker’s name is back in the mix for the seventh straight year.
The special teams captain is long snapper Casey Kreiter, who is in his first year with the Cardinals.
LaFleur said the votes reflected more than just on-field production.
"Whether you're a captain or not a captain you be who you are within your own personality," LaFleur told reporters. "However, when you do get voted captain obviously, that's kind of saying that the locker room looks up to you. I can't think of five better people to look up to in terms of just guys that are going to keep it real with each other, hold people to standards and communicate with me."
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Cardinals Camp Has One Encouraging Sign Fans Still Need To Monitor
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There is still one storyline worth watching, though, because the Cardinals are not fully healthy yet. Running back Jeremiyah Love is still working back from a high-ankle sprain, and his progress will be part of the bigger evaluation as camp moves forward. Arizona can feel good about the energy around its receivers, but the rest of the offense still has to prove it can stay on track when the pads come on and the real tests begin. [Read more 🡒]