Arizona
Predicting 2024 Arizona Cardinals roster before cut day
Who stood out for the Arizona Cardinals with (most) starters sitting in preseason opener?
Theo Mackie and Bob McManaman react to the Cardinals’ preseason loss to the Saints
The Arizona Cardinals preseason was, for the most part, an ugly affair. They went 0-3, played few starters, and often looked lost offensively. But a handful of players on the roster bubble showed impressive flashes, with head coach Jonathan Gannon particularly encouraged by his rookies.
That creates some roster conundrums for the Cardinals ahead of Tuesday’s cut-down day. The 53 players that the Cardinals have at the end of those moves will likely not be their final 53 as they bolster their roster with claims from other teams. But for now, here is a projection of what the 53-man roster could look like on Tuesday afternoon:
Offense
Quarterback (2)
Kyler Murray, Clayton Tune
After Sunday, when both Tune and Desmond Ridder struggled to create any offense of note, it seems increasingly likely that the Cardinals will look to acquire a backup quarterback from outside the organization. That could take the form of a waiver claim or a cheap trade, like the one they executed last August to acquire Joshua Dobbs from Cleveland. For now, though, Tune has the upper hand. He looked more comfortable than Ridder throughout training camp and preseason, earning the starting nod Sunday.
Running back (4)
James Conner, Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, DeeJay Dallas
Sunday’s running back usage was quite strange. Gannon opted against using any of these four running backs or veteran Michael Carter — outside of a few special teams snaps for Demercado and Dallas. That seemed to indicate that the Cardinals could go with five running backs. But when asked why Carter didn’t play, Gannon responded, “Saw enough from what we needed to see for him.” That comment did not come across as encouraging for Carter’s chances, especially given that he only saw two late-game carries in the second preseason game. So now, it once again looks as if the Cardinals will go with four backs. Demercado’s role — if he makes the roster — will mainly be on third downs and special teams, while Dallas is set to primarily be a return man.
Wide receiver (6)
Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Greg Dortch, Zach Pascal, Chris Moore, Xavier Weaver
With veteran Zay Jones suspended for the first five games of the season, the Cardinals will likely want a steady veteran to fill his place on the roster. That seemingly creates an opening for Moore, who had 22 catches for 424 yards with the Titans last year. Weaver, meanwhile, has impressed on offense and special teams after signing as an undrafted free agent in the spring. He looks likely to have a role alongside Dallas in the return game. Sixth-round pick Tejhaun Palmer should clear waivers and land on the practice squad.
Tight end (3)
Trey McBride, Elijah Higgins, Tip Reiman
The tight-end group is cut and dry. The Cardinals could conceivably go with four tight ends, but it probably makes more sense to use that spot elsewhere on the roster. Reiman, in particular, has had a nice month, showing the blocking chops that made him a third-round pick. He adds some versatility to a room led by two players who excel as pass catchers.
Offensive line (9)
Paris Johnson, Evan Brown, Hjalte Froholdt, Will Hernandez, Jonah Williams, Kelvin Beachum, Jon Gaines, Isaiah Adams, Christian Jones
It was a rough preseason for the Cardinals’ reserve offensive linemen, which makes keeping only nine a plausible option. That said, they could still easily choose to go with 10. Beachum is a steady backup swing tackle, but the only backup interior options here are Gaines and Adams — two players who have never played a regular-season snap. Adams, a third-round pick this year, looked excellent as a run blocker in preseason but struggled mightily as a pass blocker. So, if the Cardinals don’t trust Gaines as their top reserve on the interior, they could opt to keep a veteran like Elijah Wilkinson or Trystan Colon. Wilkinson entered camp looking like an important backup but allowed six pressures and two sacks in three preseason games.
Defense
Interior defensive line (7)
Justin Jones, Bilal Nichols, Darius Robinson, Roy Lopez, L.J. Collier, Dante Stills, Khyiris Tonga
None of these seven interior defensive linemen played on Sunday — a strong indicator that their roster spots are safe. The wild card is Robinson, who is dealing with a calf injury. If he avoids the injured reserve to start the season, the Cardinals will likely want seven players here to help provide cover. If he goes on the injured reserve, they could opt for six and use his spot on the 53-man roster to provide help elsewhere.
Edge rusher (5)
Zaven Collins, Dennis Gardeck, Xavier Thomas, Victor Dimukeje, Cameron Thomas
Xavier Thomas, a fifth-round pick, did not play Sunday, a reward for his excellent preseason. Dimukeje only played 12 snaps early on and should be a member of this rotation. That likely leaves one roster spot for Cameron Thomas or Jesse Luketa. Both players had strong preseasons but Thomas was slightly more consistent at generating pressure. He earns the final spot here, but it’s close to a toss-up.
Linebacker (4)
Kyzir White, Mack Wilson Sr., Owen Pappoe, Krys Barnes
There’s no more settled group on the Cardinals’ roster outside of the specialists. White and Wilson will start; Pappoe and Barnes will back them up.
Cornerback (6)
Sean Murphy-Bunting, Garrett Williams, Max Melton, Starling Thomas V, Kei’Trel Clark, Elijah Jones
If the Cardinals opt for five corners, Clark could be a roster casualty. But the second-year player has flashed some positive signs over the past month and only played nine snaps Sunday, indicating that he’s in position to earn a reserve spot. Plus, Jones doesn’t look like a player the Cardinals can trust right now. The third-round rookie has enticing raw tools but is a likely candidate to be inactive early on as he acclimates to the speed of the NFL.
Safety (4)
Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Joey Blount
It was an encouraging summer for the Cardinals’ safeties. Baker and Thompson performed at their usual high standard during training camp and Taylor-Demerson impressed in preseason. He could be the future of the position if Baker hits free agency after the season. Behind those three, the final roster spot comes down to Blount and Andre Chachere. Chachere saw significantly more playing time last year, but Blount is a special teams standout. If the Cardinals are comfortable with Taylor-Demerson as their primary backup safety, Blount could have the edge due to his special teams role. Sunday’s usage suggested that could be the case, with Blount sitting out while Chachere played 48 snaps.
Special teams
Kicker: Matt Prater
Puner: Blake Gillikin
Long snapper: Aaron Brewer
The Cardinals released undrafted free agent long snapper Joe Shimko last week, finalizing this group of veterans as their specialists.
Arizona
2026 NFL draft: 3 potential trades back from No. 3 for Arizona Cardinals
Since the Arizona Cardinals want to trade back from the No. 3 picks, here are three deals that could work.
The Arizona Cardinals have the third pick in the 2026 NFL draft, which begins this week on Thursday. All the reports coming out are saying that they want to trade out of the pick to acquire more draft picks.
But what does a trade look like and who could be involved?
The Kansas City Chiefs are involved in talks at some level. ESPN’s Adam Schefter expects trade talks to heat up this week.
NFL teams use a variation of a trade value chart when it comes to draft picks. Now, what a team actually is willing to give up can be influenced by potential competition with other teams, but we can’t count on that.
Here is the general trade value chart teams use.
Here are some potential deals that could be done.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have two first-round picks, which would be appealing to the Cardinals, who reportedly want to make a move for quarterback Ty Simpson, and the 29th pick might be just the spot to get him.
The third overall pick is worth 514 points.
The Chiefs’ picks at No. 9 (387 points) and No. 29 (202 points) together are worth 589.
To make up the difference, the Cardinals could give up No. 65 (78 points) for a total of 592 points.
One deal could be:
- Cardinals receive get No. 9 and No. 29 (589 points)
- Chiefs receive No. 3 and No. 65 (592 points)
Another could be:
- Cardinals receive No. 9, No. 29, No. 74 and 2027 third-round pick (653 points + value of future third-round pick, which is 36-78 points)
- Chiefs receive No. 3 and No. 34 (689 points)
The Cardinals keep their third-round pick and the Chiefs essentially move back five spots from No. 29.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have the 12th and 20th picks but no pick in the second round.
Pick No. 12 is 347 points and No. 20 is 269 for a total of 616.
This deal is close:
- Cardinals receive No. 12, No. 20 (616 points)
- Cowboys receive No. 3, No. 65 (592 points)
New Orleans Saints
The Saints are perhaps a dark horse to move up, although they do not have two first-round picks. They have the No. 8 pick, worth 406 points. Their second-round pick, at No. 42, is worth 142 points.
This deal could work:
- Cardinals receive No. 8, No. 42 (548 points)
- Saints receive No. 3, No. 104 (547 points)
Then the Cardinals could use their two second-round picks to then move back into Round 1 to get Ty Simpson.
They could trade No. 34, No. 42 and No. 65 (395 points) for No. 28, No. 38 and No. 106 (398 total points).
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
Arizona
Dust returns to Phoenix area after hazy weekend – KTAR.com
PHOENIX — Breezy winds kicked up a blanket of dust across the Valley on Sunday, and forecasters say more is on the way this week.
Visibility in Phoenix became so bad on Sunday that Sky Harbor airport stopped flights for over an hour
The wind and dust peaked Sunday afternoon and gradually improved into the evening, said Michael Graves, an air quality meteorologist with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
“You might’ve seen the mountains a bit obscured in the distance,” Graves told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Monday. “A lot of haze in the air.”
By Monday morning, skies had largely cleared and dust levels near the ground had dropped significantly.
Expect more gusty, dusty days this week
The relief may be short-lived.
ADEQ is watching for increased afternoon breezes Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, this time from the west and southwest. Though the winds are expected to be weaker than Sunday’s, Graves said forecasters cannot rule out dust.
“I wouldn’t say windstorm,” Graves said. “I would just say we’ve got some waves coming in. They’re going to increase our afternoon breeziness.”
It’s enough to kick up dry, exposed dirt, which could create pockets of dust. There is a slight chance of broader regional dust transport, Graves said.
It will impact people with asthma, COPD or respiratory conditions the most. Graves advised those with issues to monitor conditions and stay indoors during the dustiest hours.
“If you’re going to be outside, be outside during the times when it’s less dusty or hazy,” Graves said.
Graves noted that spring weather systems typically pass to the north of the Phoenix area, delivering wind and slight temperature drops but little to no rain, a pattern likely to continue.
KTAR News reporter Kellen Shover contributed to this report.
Arizona
Trying to beat the heat: Addressing rising temperatures in Southern Arizona
The University of Arizona and Tucson are known for yearlong warm weather, but when is it too much? With temperature reaching record highs in March, the city of Tucson has already reported increased temperatures for this year.
In the wake of the third annual Southern Arizona Heat Summit, integrating voices throughout the City of Tucson, community stakeholders and experts from UA gather to speak about possible solutions and policies to address rising temperatures and extreme heat.
The summit strives to ensure that the lived experiences of Southern Arizona residents are voiced. The first summit commenced in 2024, in response to the declaration of an extreme heat emergency in Arizona by Gov. Katie Hobbs, as part of a larger plan called Arizona’s Extreme Heat Response Plan.
With representation from organizations such as the American Red Cross, the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, Arizona Jobs with Justice, Tucson Indian Center and many more, the summit emphasized the importance of the perspective and concerns of stakeholder groups throughout the community.
The summit included a variety of UA experts, including faculty representing the School of Geography, Development and Environment; the Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy; the Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture.
One particular project, led by Ladd Keith at the School of Landscape Architecture and Planning, is a part of the Southwest Urban Corridor Integrated Field Laboratory, which is funded by the United States’ Department of Energy to explore extreme heat throughout Arizona. SW-IFL works in collaboration with other national laboratories including those at ASU and NAU.
The team works to analyze extreme heat in the southwest and rural areas, and how communities deal with heat by conducting interviews. The team has also prescribed policy to Pima County and the City of Tucson regarding more effective strategies to combat rising temperatures, such as green stormwater infrastructure.
Anne-Lise Boyer, a post-doctoral researcher with the Climate Assessment for the Southwest, shared that the team particularly analyzed extreme heat in three parts: heat mitigation, heat management and heat governance.
Mitigation deals with prevention through strategies such as green infrastructure and planting trees, while management includes cooling sensors and heat warning systems. Governance allows these measures to be enacted through policy.
In Tucson, some of the most meaningful work the team has engaged in has been drafting the City of Tucson’s Heat Action Roadmap in 2024, which outlines goals to mitigate and mandate extreme heat and its impacts while prioritizing community voices.
The goals of the roadmap include informing and educating citizens of Tucson on the adverse effects of extreme heat and cooling people’s homes and neighborhoods by incorporating heat risk in regional planning. These steps are essential to practicing heat management, especially as the city of Tucson grows.
“I think the most interesting thing about being based in Tucson is that because the heat has been here for a long time, it’s like a laboratory in itself,” Boyer said. “We have all this research and all this collaboration happening with local actors because it’s a pressing issue in Arizona.”
As the annual heat summit recurs, new ideas and perspectives continue to be shared throughout the community. Boyer shared that this year, the Southern Arizona Heat Summit focused on the youth perspective, highlighting middle school and high school students and how heat impacts their everyday lives. Many students spoke about how heat shaped their lives at home, school and sports.
“That’s one of the goals, to have community members participate and give their input in how they wish the city will deal with the heat,” Boyer said.
Boyer and Kirsten Lake, a program coordinator for the SW-IFL team, also shared how the impacts of extreme heat impact some neighborhoods and communities in Tucson more than others, and that their research often evaluates these factors to determine where heat management efforts would make the greatest impact.
“Its important when you’re putting into effect some of these measures, that you make sure you put it where it’s going to make the biggest difference,” Lake said.
The work of the SW-IFL team is not just locally known. The Brookhaven National Lab based in New York deployed a specialized truck to Tucson to collect information on the atmosphere and rising temperatures. The SW-IFL team hosted the Brookhaven team.
Additionally, Keith’s work has led to a guidebook called “Planning for Urban Heat Resilience” which focuses on the adverse effects extreme heat poses to marginalized communities across the country.
“It is so different from place to place and neighborhood to neighborhood because you have to take the whole context into account,” Boyer said. “They recommend first to document the heat impacts in your communities.”
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