The 2025 NFL season is officially in the books, and hats off to the Seattle Seahawks for hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl LX. But while the confetti settles in Seattle, the Arizona Cardinals are already shifting gears toward what comes next - and that starts with a critical offseason ahead.
This is a pivotal moment for the Cardinals. After a season filled with growing pains and flashes of promise, the franchise enters 2026 with a chance to redefine its identity. That process begins with a clear-eyed look at their own roster - specifically, which pending free agents they want to keep in the fold and who they’re willing to let walk.
There’s no shortage of decisions to make. Arizona has a long list of players set to hit the open market, and while not every name jumps off the page, several carry real weight in terms of leadership, production, or scheme fit.
Here’s a rundown of the Cardinals' pending free agents in 2026:
Jonah Williams
A versatile offensive lineman who stepped in and held his own, Williams brings starting experience and positional flexibility. Whether he’s viewed as a foundational piece or a stopgap could determine his future in Arizona.
Jalen Thompson
One of the more consistent pieces in the secondary, Thompson’s range and instincts make him a valuable asset in the back end. If the Cardinals want to maintain continuity on defense, re-signing him should be high on the list.
Calais Campbell
The veteran defensive lineman and former Cardinal returned for a homecoming season, bringing leadership and experience to a young locker room. While his best years are behind him, his presence could still be worth keeping around - especially if he’s willing to stay on a team-friendly deal.
Kelvin Beachum
A respected veteran and locker room leader, Beachum has been a steadying presence on the offensive line. Even if he’s not starting, his mentorship and depth are valuable.
Greg Dortch
Dortch has carved out a niche as a reliable slot receiver and return man. He’s not flashy, but he’s dependable - and in today’s NFL, that role matters.
L.J. Collier
The former first-round pick had a chance to reset his career in Arizona. Whether he did enough to earn another look will be a key evaluation point for the defensive staff.
Zay Jones
Injuries and inconsistency have followed Jones throughout his career, but when healthy, he’s shown he can contribute. The question is whether the Cardinals want to invest in that potential again.
Will Hernandez
A physical, mauling guard who fits the identity the Cardinals want to build up front. If Arizona is serious about improving in the trenches, Hernandez is the kind of player you consider keeping around.
Blake Gillikin / Matt Haack
Two punters on the list, and obviously, only one will likely return. Gillikin had some strong moments, but this could come down to camp competition or cap flexibility.
Aaron Brewer
Long snappers don’t get much love, but consistency at that position matters. Brewer has been steady - and that’s exactly what you want.
Pharaoh Brown / Josiah Deguara / Travis Vokolek
A trio of tight ends, each with different skill sets.
Brown brings blocking ability, Deguara has H-back versatility, and Vokolek is still developing. The Cardinals will need to decide which direction they want to go at this position group.
Simi Fehoko / Michael Carter / Zonovan Knight / Emari Demercado
Depth pieces at receiver and running back, each with flashes but no locked-in role. Demercado had some intriguing moments as a rookie, but the backfield could see turnover depending on scheme fit and special teams value.
**Darren Hall / Channing Tindall / J.J. Russell / P.J.
Mustipher / Starling Thomas V**
Defensive depth and special teams contributors.
These are the types of players who round out a roster and often make their mark in the margins. Expect some of these names back on short-term or prove-it deals.
Chad Ryland / Joshua Karty
Two kickers on the list, and like the punters, this will likely come down to competition. Arizona will be looking for consistency - something that’s been elusive at times in recent seasons.
This is the first major checkpoint of the offseason for the Cardinals. With a new season on the horizon and a roster still very much in transition, every decision matters. The front office has to weigh production, potential, and price tag - not just in a vacuum, but as part of a broader vision for where this team is headed.
Some of these players will be back. Others won’t. But together, they represent the next step in shaping the Cardinals’ identity heading into 2026.
And if Arizona wants to be in the same conversation as the Seahawks a couple of years from now, it starts with getting these decisions right.