The Arizona Cardinals’ leadership duo, General Manager Monti Ossenfort and Head Coach Jonathan Gannon, are poised to steer the franchise through a pivotal period. With a blend of strategic foresight and a focus on sustainable success, both Ossenfort and Gannon have made it clear that their offseason decisions are designed with the long-term vision of revitalizing the Cardinals and positioning them for success in 2025 and beyond. As they continue to rebuild the roster, improve team culture, and prepare for the NFL Draft, both men have offered insight into their philosophy, their approach to free agency, and their plans for the upcoming draft class.
In recent interviews, both Ossenfort and Gannon spoke candidly about the team’s progress since their arrival in Arizona, their priorities for the offseason, and the challenges they expect to face as they attempt to turn the franchise into a perennial contender. The conversations touched on key areas of team development, including the balance between acquiring talent through free agency and developing young players through the draft, as well as the importance of establishing a winning culture both on and off the field.
Building Through the Draft: A Long-Term Vision
One of the most significant themes from both Ossenfort and Gannon is the emphasis on building through the draft. Ossenfort, who has an extensive background in player evaluation, knows that a successful franchise is often defined by its ability to develop and retain top-tier talent through the draft. While free agency plays an important role in supplementing a roster, the foundation of any great team lies in its homegrown talent.
“We’re committed to making sure that we’re making smart, long-term decisions for the future of the organization,” Ossenfort said. “The draft is where we can really make an impact on the future of the team, and that’s where we’re going to focus most of our efforts. It’s not just about adding pieces for 2025 but about building a strong foundation that will carry us forward for years to come.”
The Cardinals are currently in a rebuilding phase, and Ossenfort has placed a significant emphasis on acquiring players who can contribute immediately but also possess the upside to be key players for the long haul. With the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon, the Cardinals’ front office is keenly aware that this year’s draft class will play a critical role in shaping the future of the franchise.
“The draft is a critical piece of our strategy,” Gannon shared. “We need to be patient but also aggressive in making sure we’re adding talent to the roster. Our goal is to create depth at every position, and that means finding guys who fit our system, who have the right mindset, and who are ready to come in and make an impact.”
Ossenfort’s background with the New England Patriots has given him valuable insight into how a team can succeed by drafting smartly, even when faced with limited resources. The Patriots have long been known for their ability to develop talent through the draft, and Ossenfort is looking to replicate that success in Arizona.
“We want to draft players who fit the culture we’re building,” Ossenfort explained. “It’s about finding players who are not only talented but who can adapt to our system and bring the right mentality to the table. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but we know what we’re looking for, and we’re committed to getting it right.”
Free Agency Moves: Filling Key Needs
While the draft will undoubtedly be the cornerstone of the Cardinals’ rebuilding strategy, free agency offers the opportunity to add proven talent and fill critical gaps on the roster. Ossenfort and Gannon have both stressed the importance of being strategic in their approach to free agency, targeting players who can immediately step in and contribute to the team’s success without disrupting the long-term vision.
“Free agency is about supplementing the talent you already have,” Gannon said. “It’s about filling in the gaps and getting the right players who can help us compete in the short term while we continue to build for the future. We’re looking for guys who are going to bring leadership, who are going to be accountable, and who will elevate the level of play on both sides of the ball.”
The Cardinals were active in free agency, adding several key players who can help make an impact in 2025. Ossenfort, who joined the team with a reputation for finding value in free agency, made sure to focus on players who fit the team’s needs and, just as importantly, their culture.
“Our approach to free agency is simple,” Ossenfort said. “We’re going to be smart and disciplined. We’re not going to overspend or go after players who don’t fit our long-term plans. At the same time, we’re looking for opportunities to add veteran leadership, strengthen our depth, and improve both sides of the ball.”
The team made several moves in free agency that reflect this balanced approach. A key addition to the defense is a veteran linebacker with the ability to lead the defense and help develop younger players. On the offensive side, the Cardinals added a playmaking wide receiver who will give quarterback Kyler Murray another weapon as he continues to develop in the new system.
While these moves are important, Ossenfort emphasized that the team would not rush into free agency, and each signing had to fit the larger vision for the team’s future. “We’re not trying to fix everything in one offseason,” Ossenfort explained. “We’re taking a measured approach and making sure we’re setting ourselves up for sustained success.”
Establishing a Winning Culture: Gannon’s Role
In addition to building a roster through the draft and free agency, Jonathan Gannon’s role in establishing a winning culture cannot be overstated. Gannon, who comes to Arizona after a successful tenure as the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, is tasked with instilling a mentality of competitiveness, accountability, and preparation within the team.
“Our culture is everything,” Gannon said. “We’re building a team that believes in itself, that works together, and that pushes each other every day to be better. It’s not just about getting the X’s and O’s right—it’s about creating a mindset where everyone is focused on the same goal: winning.”
One of the key pillars of Gannon’s approach is creating a team that is built on trust and accountability. From the players to the coaching staff, everyone is expected to bring their best every day, and there is an emphasis on preparing for each opponent with a laser-focused mindset.
“We’ve got to be a team that’s ready to work every day,” Gannon said. “That starts with me, but it’s something that we have to instill in every player. We have to hold each other accountable, and that’s the kind of culture I want to build here.”
Gannon is also focused on helping quarterback Kyler Murray continue to grow into a leader for the franchise. Murray, who has faced his share of challenges in recent seasons, is seen as a key piece of the Cardinals’ future, and Gannon is excited to help him develop further.
“I’m excited to work with Kyler,” Gannon said. “He’s a talented quarterback with a lot of potential. We’re going to work together to help him get to the next level, and I have no doubt that he’ll continue to grow as both a player and a leader.”
Looking Ahead: 2025 NFL Draft Plans
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Cardinals are facing a critical juncture in their rebuilding process. Ossenfort and Gannon know that their ability to navigate the draft successfully will play a huge role in the team’s future success. With multiple picks and the potential to add game-changing talent, the team is positioned to make a significant impact in the draft.
“We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us, but we feel good about the direction we’re heading in,” Ossenfort said. “We’ve got a lot of needs to address, but we’re focused on finding players who fit our system and who will help us take the next step. We’ll be prepared, and we’ll make sure we’re making the right decisions for the long term.”
Gannon echoed that sentiment, stressing the importance of being prepared and adaptable as the draft approaches. “We’ve done our homework on this draft class, and we’ve got a plan,” Gannon said. “But we also know that things can change quickly in the draft. We’ll be flexible and ready to make the right moves when the time comes.”
As the Cardinals continue to make their way through the offseason, the vision of Ossenfort and Gannon is becoming clearer. With a strong focus on building through the draft, making smart moves in free agency, and cultivating a winning culture, the Arizona Cardinals are setting the stage for a brighter future. Both men understand the challenges that lie ahead, but they are united in their belief that the foundation they are laying today will pay dividends for years to come.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Arizona Cardinals are poised to take a significant step forward. The leadership of Ossenfort and Gannon, coupled with their strategic approach to roster building, promises to create an environment where success is within reach. The path may be challenging, but with their focused vision, the Cardinals are positioning themselves for a successful future.