The Arizona Cardinals entered the 2025 NFL offseason with a clear focus: rebuild and reposition themselves as contenders in the NFC. After a challenging season, it was evident that significant changes were needed to re-establish the team as a competitive force in the league. While some teams sought big-name splashes in free agency, the Cardinals were methodical, targeting players who fit their scheme and could provide long-term value. Over the course of the offseason, the franchise made several notable moves, but three, in particular, stood out as the best decisions they made to improve their roster and culture.
One of the most crucial aspects of the Cardinals’ offseason was bolstering their defensive unit, which had underperformed in recent years. The defense had struggled with consistency and lacked the ability to stop opposing offenses in critical moments. As a result, the Cardinals’ first key free-agent move was securing a top-tier edge rusher who could transform the pass rush and help the defense create pressure on quarterbacks. In an NFL where pass rushers can make all the difference, acquiring a dominant edge rusher was essential, and the Cardinals were able to land one of the most coveted players on the market.
By signing veteran edge rusher Malik Jackson to a two-year deal, the Cardinals addressed a glaring weakness on their defense. Jackson, known for his ability to disrupt plays and apply consistent pressure on quarterbacks, had a reputation for being a relentless force in the backfield. His presence in Arizona not only added a proven playmaker to their defensive line but also provided a mentor for younger defensive players who needed guidance. At this stage in his career, Jackson’s experience and leadership would be crucial in bringing cohesion to a defense in need of a spark.
Malik Jackson’s signing had multiple layers of significance for the Cardinals. First and foremost, his impact on the pass rush would be immediately felt. He was capable of elevating the entire defensive front by drawing double-teams, which could open up opportunities for other players to make plays. His quickness off the edge, paired with his experience in high-stakes games, was exactly what Arizona needed to take the next step in improving its defense. Even more importantly, Jackson brought a level of toughness and professionalism to the locker room that would help establish the kind of culture the Cardinals’ coaching staff was hoping to cultivate. His leadership would resonate beyond his on-field play, instilling a sense of accountability in younger players.
The second key move the Cardinals made during free agency was addressing their offensive line, which had been a source of inconsistency in recent seasons. In an era where quarterback play is paramount, it was clear that the protection in front of Arizona’s signal-caller had to improve if the team wanted to compete in the NFC. With quarterback Kyler Murray still developing into the face of the franchise, protecting him and ensuring that he had time to make plays was essential for the offense to reach its full potential. In this context, the Cardinals made a bold but necessary decision by signing guard Elijah Wilkinson to a three-year contract.
Wilkinson, a former starter for the Denver Broncos, brought with him a reputation as a gritty, dependable offensive lineman. His versatility on the line, coupled with his ability to play multiple positions along the front, made him a valuable asset. While some viewed him as a mid-tier free-agent signing, the Cardinals saw his potential as an anchor who could stabilize a fluctuating offensive line. With his ability to play both guard and tackle, Wilkinson provided the Cardinals with flexibility and depth, ensuring that the team’s offensive line could withstand injuries and changes to the starting lineup. This move was essential in creating a solid foundation for the offense, as Murray’s development and the overall success of the team hinged on their ability to provide adequate protection.
What set the signing of Wilkinson apart from other free-agent acquisitions was his toughness and mentality. Arizona needed someone who could bring a blue-collar work ethic to the offensive line, and Wilkinson filled that role perfectly. His reputation as a physical, no-nonsense player was exactly what the Cardinals needed to instill a sense of toughness in their front five. A reliable offensive line, capable of protecting Murray and opening up lanes for the running game, was going to be one of the defining factors in whether Arizona could contend for the NFC West title. With Wilkinson in the fold, the Cardinals solidified a critical area of their roster and ensured that their offense would have a much-needed stability.
The third key move the Arizona Cardinals made during free agency came in the form of bolstering their wide receiver corps, which had been anemic at times in the previous season. While DeAndre Hopkins remained a dynamic playmaker for the team, the Cardinals needed more depth and versatility at the position. Enter veteran wide receiver Allen Robinson, who had spent several seasons with the Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears. Robinson’s signing to a two-year deal was a savvy move by the Cardinals, as he brought a wealth of experience, a large frame, and the ability to make tough catches in critical situations. For a team with aspirations to be more dynamic in the passing game, Robinson’s addition was an absolute necessity.
Robinson’s game was well-suited to complement the skill set of Kyler Murray. As a big-bodied wide receiver with excellent route-running ability and strong hands, he gave the Cardinals an element of physicality they had been lacking in recent years. While Hopkins was the clear No. 1 target, Robinson had the capability to step in and make big plays when called upon, giving Murray another reliable option. Additionally, Robinson’s experience and leadership would prove valuable in helping to elevate the play of the younger receivers on the roster, providing mentorship and setting an example of professionalism and work ethic. Robinson’s ability to thrive in a system that relied on both vertical and quick-strike passing would open up opportunities for Murray to utilize his unique skill set to its fullest.
The importance of Robinson’s acquisition cannot be overstated. Arizona’s offense was already predicated on a high-tempo passing attack, and adding another proven target to the mix not only gave Murray more weapons but also created an environment where opposing defenses would have to respect multiple threats. This made life easier for Hopkins, who had often faced double teams in the past. Robinson’s ability to stretch the field and draw coverage away from the star receiver was an added bonus that could unlock even more opportunities for the Arizona offense to succeed.
When analyzing the Arizona Cardinals’ free-agent moves, it’s clear that they didn’t simply target players to fill gaps; rather, they made moves with a clear vision for the future. Each signing made sense in the broader context of rebuilding the roster while maintaining a competitive edge in the NFC. The acquisition of Malik Jackson addressed the defense’s lack of pass rush, Elijah Wilkinson’s signing stabilized the offensive line and allowed for flexibility, and Allen Robinson’s addition gave the Cardinals a legitimate threat at wide receiver, ensuring that their offense had multiple weapons to rely on.
In a highly competitive division like the NFC West, these three moves were crucial in ensuring that the Cardinals had the talent to compete with their rivals. While the team still had more work to do, particularly in the draft, these free-agent signings laid the groundwork for a more successful season. If these players live up to their potential, the Arizona Cardinals could be poised to make a run at the playoffs in 2025, returning to their former prominence. The foundation has been set, and it’s now up to the coaching staff and players to build upon it and fulfill the promise of these savvy offseason moves.