The Arizona Cardinals are making waves in the NFL community with their offseason strategy. Under the new leadership of head coach Mike LaFleur, the Cardinals are reportedly steering clear of high-profile veteran quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins and Aaron Rodgers. Instead, they're putting their trust in Jacoby Brissett to take the reins as the starting quarterback, with Gardner Minshew as the backup.
This decision marks a significant shift for the Cardinals, who have parted ways with Kyler Murray. It seems the team is gearing up for a transition year, focusing on long-term growth rather than immediate success.
According to NFL insider Jason La Canfora, the Cardinals are eyeing the 2027 NFL Draft as a pivotal moment for the franchise. One unnamed general manager even suggested, "They’re tanking, bro.
They aren’t even hiding it."
The Cardinals' strategy appears to be about positioning themselves for the future, especially with the 2026 draft class lacking depth at the quarterback position. Most analysts anticipate the Las Vegas Raiders will select Indiana's Fernando Mendoza as the top pick in 2026, leaving Arizona to focus on building a solid foundation this year.
Looking ahead to this year's draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. initially predicted the Cardinals would select Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese with the third overall pick. However, La Canfora suggests that Arizona might be considering a different approach.
There's a strong buzz around Miami's offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa, touted as a top prospect who could bolster the Cardinals' offensive line. With the Jets likely passing on Mauigoa with their second pick, he could be available for Arizona on April 23.
In essence, the Cardinals seem to be playing the long game, focusing on building a team that can compete at the highest level in the coming years. It's a bold move, but one that could pay off if LaFleur and his team can execute their vision effectively.