Arizona
Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals finalized their 53-man roster and practice squad moves over the past 24 hours, signaling the final approach to the 2026 NFL season. General Manager Monti Ossenfort's draft classes remain under scrutiny, with fan surveys seeking to grade his performance thus far. Despite initial concerns, several recent draft picks like Marvin Harrison Jr., Walter Nolen, and Denzel Burke show promise, though injuries to Chase Bisontis and Kaleb Proctor loom large. In a move that clarifies offseason rumors, Green Bay Packers GM Brian Gutekunst confirmed that no trade talks ever occurred regarding linebacker Josh Sweat. Meanwhile, the Cardinals practice squad saw additions in defensive lineman Jared Harrison-Hunte and offensive lineman Vershon Lee. Harrison-Hunte, a former Miami Hurricane and SMU product, spent his rookie year with the Panthers, while Lee joins from the Vikings after a limited 2025 campaign. Final roster cuts revealed several noteworthy decisions. Seven wide receivers were kept, a high number influenced by strong preseason performances from Simi Fehoko, Jalen Brooks, and rookie Reggie Virgil. The release of second-round pick B.J. Ojulari, a casualty of a previous ACL injury, was acknowledged as a difficult but necessary choice given his inability to regain pre-injury form. The team opted for a creative approach with running back James Conner, placing him on injured reserve with a return designation, ensuring he'll miss at least the first four games. Defensive back depth appears to be a concern, especially with the departures of Sean Murphy-Bunting and Starling Thomas. While the starting quartet of Will Johnson, Max Melton, Garrett Williams, and Denzel Burke is promising, the backup situation is less certain. Offensive line depth saw Matt Pryor placed on the practice squad after being cut. A trade brought tight end Hunter Long from the Jaguars, a move aimed at reinforcing blocking capabilities in 12 or 13 personnel packages, with Trey McBride and Elijah Higgins expected to handle receiving duties. Backup offensive linemen Jon Gaines and Josh Fryar have impressed and solidified their readiness for potential starting roles. The decision to not sign quarterback Kedon Slovis to the practice squad raises questions, particularly after Carson Beck's strong Hall of Fame Game performance. Undrafted rookie safety Wydett Williams Jr. made the final roster as a hard-hitting player, contributing to the team's decision to carry five safeties. The Cardinals' offense is a point of optimism, with veteran Jacoby Brissett at the helm and a deep receiver corps featuring Harrison, Michael Wilson, and promising rookies. However, the offensive line's ability to perform against strong defensive fronts remains a key variable for the team's success. The defense, largely unchanged from last season with the exception of Andrew Wingard and Roy Lopez, will need to improve to match the offensive potential.