Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort join the media to discuss free agency, the offseason, and the 2025 NFL draft.

As the Arizona Cardinals move through the 2025 NFL offseason, both head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort are pivotal figures shaping the team’s future. With a focus on rebuilding and retooling the roster, Gannon and Ossenfort have been deeply involved in the strategic decision-making processes surrounding free agency, the NFL draft, and the long-term vision for the franchise. In this discussion, we dive into their perspectives on the direction of the team, their approaches to team-building, and their plans for the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.

Jonathan Gannon’s Vision for the Cardinals

Jonathan Gannon, who was hired as head coach in 2023, came to the Cardinals after a successful tenure as the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles. Gannon is known for his defensive acumen and his calm, composed approach to leadership. He has spent the offseason instilling a sense of discipline and focus in the Cardinals’ locker room, with an emphasis on fundamentals, creating a strong team culture, and improving every player individually.

Building a Strong Defensive Foundation

One of Gannon’s primary goals as head coach is to build a defense that can consistently win games. He recognizes the importance of having a physical, disciplined unit that can control the line of scrimmage and apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks. During free agency, Gannon and his staff worked diligently to add key pieces to the defensive line and secondary, knowing that the Cardinals’ defense had been a weak point in previous seasons.

“We want to be aggressive, we want to be physical, and we want to dictate the tempo of the game,” Gannon explained. “That starts with building a defense that can put pressure on the quarterback and create turnovers. If we can do that, it’ll set the tone for the entire team.”

Gannon’s defensive scheme relies on a mix of zone and man coverage, utilizing multiple fronts and blitz packages. While he has a base 3-4 defense, Gannon is known for being flexible and adapting to the strengths of his players. That flexibility will be crucial as the team adds new pieces through free agency and the draft.

Offensive Balance and Development

On offense, Gannon is keen on establishing a balanced attack that can both run and pass the ball effectively. While the Cardinals have talent at wide receiver and quarterback, Gannon acknowledges that improving the offensive line and building consistency at the quarterback position are top priorities. In his view, a successful offense requires a strong running game to complement the passing attack, especially in a division as competitive as the NFC West.

“We’ve got playmakers on offense, but we need to give them the tools to succeed,” Gannon said. “That means building a solid offensive line, improving our ball control, and putting our quarterback in positions where he can make plays.”

As part of his offensive philosophy, Gannon values versatility in his skill players. He believes in getting the ball into the hands of his best athletes, whether it’s through quick passes, designed runs, or creative play-calling. The development of the quarterback and offensive line is integral to the team’s success, and Gannon is dedicated to ensuring that the system is designed to maximize the strengths of each individual player.

Monti Ossenfort’s Approach to Team Building

As general manager, Monti Ossenfort is tasked with assembling the talent necessary to support Gannon’s vision for the team. Ossenfort, who joined the Cardinals in 2023 after spending years in the New England Patriots’ front office, brings a disciplined, analytical approach to team-building. He is committed to creating a sustainable, long-term roster that can compete at a high level.

Free Agency: Strategic Additions

The 2025 offseason marked a crucial moment for Ossenfort, as he needed to address multiple needs on the roster, particularly along the defensive line and offensive line. While the Cardinals were not expected to make a splash in free agency, Ossenfort was diligent in targeting players who fit the team’s system and could contribute immediately.

“We’re looking for guys who can come in, work hard, and make an impact,” Ossenfort said. “It’s not always about the big-name free agent. It’s about finding players who fit our culture and will give us the depth we need to compete.”

Key acquisitions in free agency included defensive linemen, linebackers, and offensive linemen, all of whom were viewed as reliable contributors who could help balance out the roster. These moves were designed to fortify both the trenches, areas where the Cardinals have struggled in recent years, while also adding leadership to the locker room.

Prioritizing Youth and Long-Term Sustainability

While free agency was important, Ossenfort has been equally focused on the future of the team, particularly through the draft. The Cardinals are in a rebuilding phase, and the general manager has made it clear that the team will prioritize drafting young, talented players who can develop into key contributors over time. This includes identifying high-character individuals who can mesh with the coaching staff and the team’s overall culture.

“We’ve got a long-term vision here,” Ossenfort explained. “Our job is to create a team that can compete for championships year in and year out, and that starts with drafting the right players. It’s about finding talent, but also finding the right people who can contribute to the team’s success on and off the field.”

Ossenfort emphasized that while immediate needs will play a role in the team’s draft strategy, the long-term success of the franchise depends on building a roster that is capable of sustained excellence. This approach is indicative of Ossenfort’s experience in New England, where the Patriots built a dynasty by making calculated decisions in both free agency and the draft.

2025 NFL Draft: A Critical Opportunity

The 2025 NFL Draft presents an exciting opportunity for both Gannon and Ossenfort to continue shaping the roster and building a foundation for success. The Cardinals will have several key picks to address immediate needs, while also laying the groundwork for future years. Both Gannon and Ossenfort understand that the draft is a critical part of the team’s rebuilding process.

Identifying Key Positions of Need

One of the biggest questions heading into the 2025 NFL Draft is how the Cardinals will address their needs at quarterback. While the team has shown faith in their current quarterback, there are still questions surrounding his development and future with the team. This could lead to the Cardinals potentially selecting a quarterback in the first round if the right player falls to them.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve at every position,” Gannon said. “Quarterback is obviously an important position, and if there’s a player available who can help us in the future, we’ll consider that. But we’re also looking to build depth in other areas, like the offensive line and secondary.”

In addition to quarterback, the Cardinals are also expected to target positions such as edge rusher, cornerback, and offensive line. With the defensive front needing reinforcements, selecting a player who can contribute to both the pass rush and run defense is a priority. Likewise, bolstering the offensive line to protect the quarterback and establish a stronger ground game will be a key focus.

Ossenfort, who is known for his keen eye for talent, will likely have a significant influence on the draft strategy. He is expected to look for players who have high football IQs, work ethic, and versatility. His experience in evaluating prospects will be invaluable as the Cardinals attempt to rebuild their roster.

Developing a Balanced Roster

Ossenfort and Gannon both agree that a well-rounded roster is essential for long-term success. While it’s tempting to focus on one or two flashy positions, the Cardinals will look to develop talent across the entire roster. This includes not only addressing needs at critical positions but also ensuring that the team has depth at every level.

“We want to build a roster that can sustain success,” Ossenfort said. “We don’t want to be a team that’s reliant on one player or one position group. It’s about finding balance, developing young talent, and ensuring that we have depth across the board.”

In the 2025 draft, Ossenfort and Gannon will have the opportunity to target players who can contribute immediately, but also those who will grow into core pieces of the team over time. Both men understand that the draft is a delicate balancing act, and while it’s important to address immediate needs, they also must plan for the future.

The Arizona Cardinals are in the midst of a crucial transition under the leadership of Jonathan Gannon and Monti Ossenfort. Both men share a vision of building a competitive team that is based on strong fundamentals, discipline, and a commitment to long-term success. As they approach free agency, the 2025 NFL Draft, and beyond, the focus remains on creating a team that can compete for championships while developing young talent that can carry the franchise forward.

With their combined experience and strategic approach, Gannon and Ossenfort are setting the Cardinals up for a future that prioritizes both competitiveness and sustainability. While the road ahead may be challenging, there is a clear path forward for the Arizona Cardinals, one built on strong leadership, careful roster construction, and a commitment to winning.