Will Johnson isn’t backing away from the NFC West challenge. In fact, the Arizona Cardinals cornerback sounds like he’s leaning into it.
With Brock Purdy recently calling San Francisco part of "the best division in the NFL" ahead of the 2026 season, the NFC West already has the look of a group that expects a fight every week. The 49ers are projected to contend for at least a playoff spot again, the Seattle Seahawks are the reigning Super Bowl champions, and the Los Angeles Rams suddenly look even more dangerous after landing superstar pass-rusher Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns.
Arizona, by contrast, is being viewed as a rebuilding team that could wind up with the league’s worst record. But Johnson made clear on a recent appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio that he sees the division’s heavyweights as an opportunity, not a burden.
"I mean, I love it. I wouldn't want it any other way," Johnson said about being part of the NFC West, per Kevin Patra of the NFL's website.
"That's the best. You get to go against the best every week, and that's how you prove you're the best."
The betting markets reflect how steep the climb looks. As of Tuesday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Rams as the Super Bowl LXI favorites at +550, with the Seahawks next at +1100 and the 49ers at +1900. Arizona, meanwhile, was sitting at +250 to finish with the fewest wins in the league.
That outlook is made even tougher by the uncertainty at quarterback. The Cardinals may not have a long-term answer on the roster, and expected Week 1 starter Jacoby Brissett is a journeyman who has wanted a pay raise for months.
Still, Johnson says the Cardinals believe they can make noise.
"It's a great [division]," Johnson continued. "I think we got a good opportunity in front of us to surprise a lot of people this year. They're just continuing to try to stack the teams against us, but we gonna be ready when the time comes."
For now, Arizona is in the middle of the NFL’s summer break, and the idea of the Cardinals staying in the playoff mix through Thanksgiving would qualify as a real surprise. But Johnson’s message is clear: the Cardinals aren’t interested in shrinking from the division’s top teams, even if the season could get rough in a hurry.
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