As the Arizona Cardinals prepare for the upcoming season, the team is undergoing a significant period of transition under new leadership. General Manager Monti Ossenfort and Head Coach Jonathan Gannon, both of whom took on their respective roles in 2023, are working diligently to reshape the Cardinals into a more competitive and consistent team. With the offseason in full swing, both Ossenfort and Gannon sat down with the media to discuss their approach to free agency, the challenges of the offseason, and their outlook for the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Offseason Strategy and Building a Competitive Team
Monti Ossenfort, who was hired as the Arizona Cardinals’ General Manager in January 2023, emphasized the importance of taking a comprehensive approach to rebuilding the team. With the team coming off a challenging 2023 season, the goal is to set the foundation for long-term success. Ossenfort explained that his strategy revolves around assessing the roster’s needs, evaluating talent, and maintaining a strong balance between developing younger players and adding key veteran pieces to the mix.
“Our mission is clear: we want to build a sustainable winner, and we’re doing that by focusing on player development, finding value in free agency, and being patient with the draft process,” Ossenfort said. “We understand the urgency to improve, but at the same time, we’re focused on making moves that will pay off in the long term. This is about finding the right pieces that can help us in both the short-term and the long-term.”
One of the primary aspects of the offseason process that Ossenfort highlighted is the team’s approach to free agency. He stressed that they were not simply looking to make big splash signings, but rather focused on acquiring players who fit their system and culture. “We’re not just chasing big names. We want to find players who can come in, compete, and elevate the level of the team. That means focusing on their ability to fit into our culture and our scheme.”
Free Agency Moves: Making Smart Investments
The 2024 free agency period was a key time for the Arizona Cardinals as they looked to bolster both sides of the ball. Ossenfort acknowledged that while the team wasn’t necessarily in position to make a major splash, they were focused on value signings that could have an immediate impact. “In free agency, you have to be smart with your cap space. We wanted to target players who could fill specific roles and make the most out of their contracts,” Ossenfort explained.
The Cardinals signed several free agents to help solidify their defense, with a focus on adding experienced players who could provide leadership and help accelerate the development of younger players. One notable addition was veteran linebacker David Long, who was brought in to add depth and experience to the linebacker corps. Ossenfort spoke highly of Long’s leadership qualities and his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
“We love David’s football IQ and his ability to lead by example,” Ossenfort said. “We feel that he can provide the stability we need at linebacker and help mentor the younger guys who are learning the ropes.”
On the offensive side of the ball, the Cardinals targeted a couple of experienced playmakers who could help elevate the production of quarterback Kyler Murray. The team signed a veteran wide receiver and an experienced offensive lineman to add depth and competition to those positions. “We know that Kyler is one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL when he’s healthy. So, we wanted to make sure we’re surrounding him with the best possible pieces to help him succeed,” Ossenfort said.
Head Coach Jonathan Gannon: Building the Foundation
For Head Coach Jonathan Gannon, the key to success lies in creating a culture that prioritizes discipline, accountability, and execution. As a defensive-minded coach, Gannon’s expertise is focused on developing a defense that can dominate, while also ensuring that the offense has the pieces needed to be successful. Gannon’s philosophy is centered around putting players in the best positions to succeed, something he views as integral to the team’s overall development.
Gannon talked about how the Cardinals’ coaching staff has been working relentlessly during the offseason to ensure that players are getting the mental and physical preparation they need to hit the ground running when the season begins. “We’ve spent a lot of time in the offseason making sure that we’re laying the right foundation for this team. It’s not just about X’s and O’s; it’s about developing relationships with players, earning their trust, and making sure they understand what we expect from them on and off the field,” Gannon said.
For Gannon, player development is a major priority, especially given the youth of the team. The Cardinals have several young players who are poised to take on more prominent roles in the upcoming season, including wide receiver Michael Wilson, linebacker Zaven Collins, and defensive end Myjai Sanders. Gannon discussed how important it is for him and his coaching staff to continue developing the team’s young talent and help them reach their full potential.
“We have some really exciting young players who are working hard and showing promise. Our job as coaches is to provide them with the tools they need to develop. We want to build a culture of competition where everyone is pushing each other to get better every day,” Gannon explained.
The 2025 NFL Draft: Looking Ahead to the Future
As the 2025 NFL Draft draws closer, Ossenfort and Gannon shared their vision for the Cardinals’ draft strategy. Both emphasized the importance of scouting and identifying high-impact players who can contribute immediately but also have long-term potential. Ossenfort noted that the team would be flexible, focusing on the best player available, but also keeping an eye on specific areas of need.
“The draft is one of the most exciting times of the year for us,” Ossenfort said. “We’re going to focus on building depth and competition, whether that means adding a top-tier player at a key position or adding someone who can contribute on special teams and develop into a future starter.”
While the team is still in the early stages of evaluating draft prospects, Ossenfort did hint that the Cardinals may look to bolster their offensive and defensive lines, which have been areas of focus during the previous offseason. With the development of Kyler Murray and the need to protect him in the pocket, addressing the offensive line remains a priority. Similarly, with the defensive unit still in the process of being reshaped, strengthening the defensive line and adding more playmakers in the secondary could also be on the table.
For Gannon, the draft process is about finding players who fit the team’s culture and playing style. “We want guys who love the game, who are tough and smart, and who want to come in and work every day. We’re looking for players who fit what we’re trying to build here and who are committed to getting better,” Gannon explained.
The Cardinals currently hold several key draft picks in 2025, including a top-10 selection, which will give them an opportunity to add a high-impact player to their roster. Ossenfort and Gannon both acknowledged the importance of these selections, noting that they will be critical in helping the team build a sustainable foundation.
Balancing the Immediate Future with Long-Term Vision
While the 2024 season is undoubtedly important, both Ossenfort and Gannon made it clear that their primary focus is on building for the long term. “We’re focused on improving each and every day,” Ossenfort said. “We want to win now, but we also want to ensure that we’re building something that can sustain success for years to come.”
Gannon echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the importance of creating a team that is competitive year after year. “We’re not just thinking about the next season or the next draft. We’re thinking about building a culture that will give us the chance to compete at the highest level for the next decade,” Gannon said.
As the Arizona Cardinals move forward into the 2024 season and beyond, the collaboration between Monti Ossenfort and Jonathan Gannon will be crucial in shaping the team’s trajectory. Through smart acquisitions in free agency, continued player development, and a strong draft strategy, the Cardinals are setting themselves up for future success, and both men are committed to making the necessary moves to get the team back on track and back into playoff contention.
The Arizona Cardinals have a lot of work ahead of them, but with Monti Ossenfort and Jonathan Gannon leading the charge, there is reason for optimism. The foundation they are laying now, combined with their strategic approach to free agency and the draft, will help the team rise from the ashes of a rebuilding phase to once again become a playoff contender. With a commitment to player development, team chemistry, and making smart decisions in the front office, the Cardinals are poised to turn the corner and embark on a new era of success.
