As the Arizona Cardinals close the chapter on the 2025 offseason, the team’s trajectory becomes clearer than ever. After enduring a tumultuous stretch of seasons, a significant rebuild has taken shape under the watchful eye of new leadership. In many ways, the Cardinals are entering the 2025 season with an energy that reflects the raw, unfiltered nature of a team still in the process of reinventing itself. For fans, analysts, and players alike, the gray area of uncertainty surrounding the team’s long-term future has finally disappeared. There is no ambiguity regarding where the Cardinals stand; they are in the midst of a full-scale rebuild, and everything is geared toward long-term success rather than immediate glory.
The 2025 offseason has been a pivotal one for the franchise. New general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon have worked tirelessly to implement their vision for the team’s future, which has involved both strategic acquisitions and a keen focus on developing young talent. The Cardinals, once a team that was stuck in the middle of the NFL hierarchy, now have an identity built around flexibility, long-term growth, and a clear plan for returning to prominence.
At the forefront of the rebuild is quarterback Kyler Murray. The former No. 1 overall pick has been at the center of trade rumors and speculation, but the Cardinals seem committed to working with him moving forward. There is little doubt that Murray has the talent to lead the team back to the playoffs, but the big question remains whether he can take that next step in his development with a revamped supporting cast.
Murray’s importance to the franchise is undeniable, but the offseason signings and draft picks suggest that the Cardinals are looking to surround their quarterback with a more complete roster. The team’s primary focus has been on rebuilding its defense, which has been a glaring weakness in recent seasons. The Cardinals have been active in the free-agent market, making several key signings to bolster their defensive line, secondary, and linebacker corps. These moves are aimed at creating a more balanced team that will be able to compete in a division that is home to some of the most potent offenses in the NFL.
One of the most notable acquisitions in the offseason has been the signing of defensive tackle Jalen Carter. The former Georgia standout was regarded as one of the most talented players in the 2025 draft class, and his addition to the defensive line gives the Cardinals a legitimate force in the trenches. Carter’s presence will help anchor the defense and provide a physical presence that has been sorely lacking in recent years. His ability to disrupt the pocket and stop the run will be essential to the Cardinals’ success in a competitive NFC West division.
Another key move came in the form of bolstering the secondary. The Cardinals made a significant trade to acquire cornerback Patrick Surtain II from the Denver Broncos. Surtain is widely regarded as one of the best young cornerbacks in the league, and his arrival will provide the team with an elite talent on the back end of the defense. With Surtain in the fold, the Cardinals now have a formidable cornerback duo, as they also have veteran Byron Murphy Jr., who has been a steady presence for the team over the past few seasons.
Additionally, the Cardinals focused on upgrading their linebacker unit through both the draft and free agency. They selected linebacker Drew Sanders out of Arkansas in the first round of the 2025 draft, a player known for his sideline-to-sideline range and playmaking ability. The combination of Sanders’ potential and the experience of veterans like Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins will give the defense the versatility needed to compete against some of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses.
The Cardinals’ offensive line has also undergone significant changes, with a focus on improving the protection for Kyler Murray. One of the most crucial moves in this regard was the signing of guard Quinton Nelson, a four-time Pro Bowler, in free agency. Nelson’s addition to the line provides immediate stability and will help to open up running lanes for the backfield while giving Murray more time to survey the field. With Nelson joining an already solid offensive line that includes left tackle D.J. Humphries and center Rodney Hudson, the Cardinals now have one of the most formidable offensive fronts in the NFC.
While the team has made several high-profile moves, the rebuild also centers on player development and the fostering of a winning culture. Head coach Jonathan Gannon has stressed the importance of creating a team-first mentality and instilling the belief that every player on the roster has a role to play in the team’s success. His no-nonsense approach to coaching and his ability to relate to the players have already begun to resonate with the roster, and there is a renewed sense of purpose in the locker room.
The 2025 season may not be the year the Cardinals return to the playoffs, but there is a sense of excitement surrounding the future. The team is in a position where every decision is made with the long-term goal of contending for championships. The front office has been shrewd in building a team that can withstand the rigors of the NFL’s physicality while developing a core of players who will be the foundation of the team for years to come. This is not a team that is merely looking to patch up its current roster, but one that is laying the groundwork for sustained success.
Of course, no rebuild is without its challenges, and the Cardinals will face significant obstacles in the coming seasons. The NFC West remains one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, with powerhouse teams like the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks continuing to be perennial contenders. However, with the right combination of youth and experience, the Cardinals could emerge as a force to be reckoned with as their rebuild progresses.
In addition to the on-field changes, the Cardinals have also worked to improve their overall organizational structure. The hiring of Ossenfort as general manager signaled a shift toward a more analytical and data-driven approach to team-building. The team’s front office has placed an emphasis on acquiring high-character players who fit the team’s culture and vision. This is a departure from previous regimes that were more focused on finding quick fixes or making splashy moves that lacked long-term sustainability. Ossenfort’s approach is methodical, and the results of his work will likely be seen over the next few seasons.
While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of big-name signings and high-profile draft picks, the real test for the Arizona Cardinals will come on the field. The coaching staff, the front office, and the players all have to come together to execute the vision they have for the team. The pieces are in place for a successful rebuild, but it will take time and patience to see that vision come to fruition.
The 2025 season is just the beginning of what promises to be a multi-year journey for the Arizona Cardinals. Fans should temper their expectations for immediate success, but they can take solace in the fact that the team has finally found clarity in its direction. There is no gray area about where the Cardinals stand—they are in the midst of a rebuild, but they are laying the foundation for something greater. The road ahead may be long and filled with challenges, but with the right leadership and a clear plan in place, the Arizona Cardinals’ future looks promising.
