The Arizona Cardinals finished the 2025 season with a disappointing 3-14 record. The unit averaged only 20.9 points per game, which ranked 23rd in the National Football League. Even worse, they ranked 29th in scoring defense, the league's worst.
But they are not losing hope. This year, they are aiming to rebuild the entire organization. This includes letting go of the past and embracing a fresh start. Let’s talk about how they’re getting ready for the next NFL season so far.
Reset QB
The Cardinals officially let go of their long-term player Kyler Murray last March 11. FanDuel Arizona Cardinals schedule showed the timing was great. The move allowed them to avoid an additional $17 million in salary guarantees for 2027.
The team is moving forward with a “bridge” approach at quarterback. They signed veterans Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew II. Brissett is currently the frontrunner for the QB1 spot, while Minshew II is for either a high-end backup or starting job as well.
Gamble on LaFleur
Last month, the Cardinals hired Mike LaFleur as their new head coach. In 2023–2025, he was Los Angeles’ offensive coordinator. He oversaw the Rams’ offence as it led the league. He also helped Puka Nacua earn First-Team All-Pro honors and Matthew Stafford MVP-caliber season last year.
However, some fans and analysts are not in his favor. He was recently dubbed “the worst coaching hire.” One reason is that there’s too much unknown. It’s his first time rebuilding a team. They’re afraid it’ll likely end up rocky, just like his first stint with the New York Jets hack in 2021-2022.
Adapt Wide Zone Scheme
LaFleur will likely use a wide zone running scheme. This features an offensive line moving laterally in unison to stretch the defense sideways and create horizontal gaps. This allows the running back to “read” the flow. Then, the RB can find a specific crease and make a single decisive cut to burst upfield.
Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay have greatly influenced this offensive concept. LaFleur worked as their assistant before becoming the Cardinals’ head coach. This part of his resume is one of the reasons why many thought the Las Vegas Raiders could use his offensive creativity earlier this year.
Reinforce the Trenches
FanDuel Research finds signing veteran Isaac Seumalo is key to LaFleur’s heavy-running plans. To run the Wide Zone, a lineman must move like an athlete rather than a stationary wall. Seumalo’s lateral movement and quick feet allow him to outrun defensive tackles and cut off their pursuit.
This sideways pressure stretches the defense to open running lanes. Because he is a mobile 303 lbs, he can quickly move past the first line to block linebackers and create big plays. His ability to lead the charge creates the home run opportunities the Cardinals' offense lacked last year.
Boost RB Room
To fit LaFleur’s run-heavy scheme, the Cardinals loaded up their stable with the addition of Tyler Allgeier. Allgeier has never fumbled in his entire career. With an 84.0 rushing grade over the last two seasons, Allgeier is firmly in elite company among the league's top backs
The team also re-signed Bam Knight, who was a great help last season. He proved he can shoulder the load as a decisive north-south runner. Knight's ability to stick his foot in the dirt and get upfield gives the Cardinals a reliable one-cut threat.
Staff Overhaul
Besides LaFleur, the team has also replaced several key coordinators to complete the new leadership. For instance, LaFleur hand-picked Nathaniel Hackett to be Cardinals’ Offensive Coordinator. He was one of the key persons behind veteran Aaron Rodgers winning back-to-back MVPs in 2020 and 2021.
The team also brought in Michael Ghobrial as the new Special Teams Coordinator. During his time as the assistant special teams coordinator for the New York Jets (2021–2023), the unit was consistently a league leader. In 2023, they ranked third in the NFL and led the league in kickoff yards allowed.
Retain Stability
Not all staff were changed. LaFleur kept a surprising amount of continuity in other areas to help the team transition. One is Defensive Coordinator Nick Rallis. LaFleur believed Rallis is too smart not to be able to improve from the 2025 season.
The team also kept Justin Frye as the Offensive Line Coach. He is highly respected for his work with young blockers. LaFleur is eyeing him to teach the new Wide Zone system to veteran Isaac Seumalo and the rest of the front five.
Rising from the Nest
The Cardinals started their reset by hiring Mike LaFleur as head coach. LaFleur kept a few key coaches to provide stability while bringing in new leaders to run the offense. To fix the running game, the team signed agile blockers like Isaac Seumalo and powerful runners like Tyler Allgeier. A veteran group of quarterbacks, like Gardner Minshew II, was also brought in to lead the huddle during this transition. With a top draft pick and a fresh identity, Arizona is finally preparing for a future flight.
