What Happened to Arizona Cardinals?

The Arizona Cardinals have experienced a tumultuous period, culminating in a significant organizational overhaul in early 2026. After a promising 8-9 season in 2024 where quarterback Kyler Murray played all 17 games and rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. showed flashes of potential, hopes were cautiously optimistic for 2025. However, the 2025 season proved disastrous, with the Cardinals finishing with an NFC-worst 3-14 record. Injuries plagued key offensive players, including running back James Conner and Marvin Harrison Jr., while Kyler Murray struggled with inconsistency and further injuries, eventually being replaced by Jacoby Brissett.

The poor performance led to the firing of head coach Jonathan Gannon on January 5, 2026, after just three seasons. General Manager Monti Ossenfort, however, retained his position, facing increased scrutiny for the team's direction. A pivotal moment in the team's recent history occurred on February 2, 2026, when the Cardinals hired Mike LaFleur, former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator, as their new head coach, signaling a shift towards an offensive-minded approach. LaFleur's coaching staff includes Nathaniel Hackett as Offensive Coordinator and Nick Rallis remaining as Defensive Coordinator.

Perhaps the most impactful change was the departure of franchise quarterback Kyler Murray. On March 3, 2026, the Cardinals informed Murray of their intention to release him, which became official on March 11, 2026. Murray subsequently signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings, though the Cardinals remain responsible for a substantial portion of his guaranteed 2026 salary, approximately $35.5 million of $36.8 million. This move marked the end of an era and left a significant void at the quarterback position.

Heading into the 2026 season, the Cardinals' quarterback situation features Jacoby Brissett, who started 12 games in 2025, and newly signed veteran Gardner Minshew. While General Manager Monti Ossenfort stated in April 2026 that no starter had been officially named, reports indicate Brissett has been informed he will be the starter. The team also drafted quarterback Carson Beck in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, adding a developmental prospect.

The 2026 NFL Draft was a key event for the Cardinals' rebuild. With the third overall pick, they selected running back Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame, a move that signaled a philosophical shift towards a dynamic offensive playmaker. Other notable draft picks included offensive guard Chase Bisontis and the aforementioned Carson Beck. The team's offseason program for 2026 began on April 7, with voluntary veteran minicamp held in late April. As of May 15, 2026, parts of their 2026 regular season schedule are being leaked, including a Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. The current outlook for the Cardinals in 2026 is one of low expectations, with an early over/under win total set at 4.5, as the team focuses on building a foundation under LaFleur and developing its young core.