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Arizona Cardinals roster, depth chart projection after free agency

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Arizona Cardinals roster, depth chart projection after free agency


The primary free agent period is over, and the Arizona Cardinals addressed precious few of their needs.

A year ago, they used this time to add a Pro Bowl edge rusher and two starting defensive tackles to build a roster that looked — on paper — capable of competing for a playoff spot. This time around, their moves have mostly been on the periphery, bolstering their depth without fixing the biggest issues.

As a result, their external perception has rarely been lower. On DraftKings, they are currently +1800 to reach the playoffs — odds twice as bad as any other team. Ten teams have better odds to win the Super Bowl than the Cardinals do to make the playoffs.

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So, where does the roster stand? The Cardinals have seven draft picks, most of whom will make the team, but for now, here is our 53-man roster projection.

Offense

Quarterback (2): Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew

Of the two most intriguing quarterback options on the free agent market, the Cardinals missed out on one (Malik Willis) and cut the other (Kyler Murray). Instead, they opted for a backup signing in Minshew, meaning that Brissett remains the presumptive starter heading into draft season. It’s the primary reason that oddsmakers view them as the worst team in the NFL.

Running back (4): Tyler Allgeier, James Conner, Trey Benson, Bam Knight

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A week ago, this seemed as if it could be Benson’s backfield. But the Cardinals avoided cutting Conner by re-negotiating his contract, then signed Allgeier to a two-year deal. Now, Benson looks like the third back in a three-man committee. While there is plenty of experience in this room, it’s an odd mix — none of these players profiles as a third-down, pass-catching back.

Wide receiver (6): Michael Wilson, Marvin Harrison Jr., Kendrick Bourne, Jalen Brooks, Xavier Weaver, Andre Baccellia

The Cardinals’ wide receiver corps is among their better position groups, and they augmented it by signing Bourne to a two-year deal. He immediately becomes a reliable third option behind Wilson and Harrison. The issue is further down the depth chart, where none of the Cardinals’ options have any track record of note in the NFL.

Tight end (3): Trey McBride, Elijah Higgins, Tip Reiman

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The Cardinals haven’t made any moves at tight end because there’s no need to. McBride is their best player and arguably the best tight end in the NFL. Higgins is a solid yards-after-catch threat who fills his role well as the second tight end. And Reiman is a blocking-first tight end who makes the run game tick. This is Arizona’s best position group.

Offensive tackle (4): Paris Johnson Jr., Elijah Wilkinson, Josh Fryar, Christian Jones

The Cardinals added Wilkinson on a two-year deal in free agency, giving themselves a viable option at right tackle if they don’t find one in the draft. He has primarily been a backup throughout his career, at both guard and tackle, but did fill in suitably as a starter for the Falcons last year. Further down the depth chart, there are some homegrown young players who have shown small flashes in their rare snaps — Fryar, Jones and Demontrey Jacobs. Those players would vie for backup spots, as the roster is currently constructed.

Interior offensive line (6): Isaac Seumalo, Hjalte Froholdt, Isaiah Adams, Jon Gaines, Matt Pryor, Hayden Conner

Seumalo’s three-year deal was the Cardinals’ biggest investment of free agency, and it shores up one guard spot. Center, meanwhile, is secure with Froholdt. The other guard spot, though, looks like a competition between Adams and Gaines. Both players showed positive signs late last season. Pryor, a one-year free agent signing, can play all across the line and will provide depth if he makes the roster.

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Defense

Interior defensive line (6): Walter Nolen, Darius Robinson, Dante Stills, Roy Lopez, L.J. Collier, Jonah Williams

The Cardinals made a clear effort to improve their defensive line depth after releasing Dalvin Tomlinson. They brought back Collier on a one-year deal and added Lopez and Williams, the former of whom fills a need at nose tackle. The problem: No one other than Nolen projects as anything close to an impact player. A team can only ride serviceable depth so far.

Edge rusher (5): Josh Sweat, Zaven Collins, Baron Browning, B.J. Ojulari, Jordan Burch

The Cardinals’ edge group is untouched so far this offseason. No additions, no departures. Sweat was excellent in his first season in Arizona, but no one else here has proven to be a high-level sack threat, so the Cardinals could opt for an edge rusher with the No. 3 pick.

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Linebacker (3): Mack Wilson, Cody Simon, Owen Pappoe

As expected, the Cardinals released Akeem Davis-Gaither, saving $5.2 million against the cap. But they also have not replaced him, which leaves an awfully thin group. Wilson will likely once again operate the defense as the ‘green dot’ linebacker, but Simon endured some rookie struggles last season. Entrusting him with a starting job from day one of training camp would be a risk.

Cornerback (6): Will Johnson, Starling Thomas V, Garrett Williams, Denzel Burke, Sean Murphy-Bunting, Max Melton

The cornerback room is unique in that it’s the spot where the Cardinals have abundant depth. Every player here could compete for a starting role. And yet, the second outside spot remains a major question mark. Johnson figures to start at one spot, with Williams operating as the nickel when he returns from his torn Achilles. But no one immediately jumps out as a reliable starter opposite Johnson.

Safety (5): Budda Baker, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Andrew Wingard, Kitan Crawford, Joey Blount

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The Cardinals allowed Jalen Thompson to leave in free agency after seven seasons, then filled his spot on the roster with Wingard, who has mostly served as a backup throughout his career. That serves as a vote of confidence in Taylor-Demerson, who was the third safety over the past two years but will now step into a starting job.

Specialists

Kicker (1): Chad Ryland

Punter (1): Blake Gillikin

Long snapper (1): Casey Kreiter

The Cardinals brought back both Ryland and Gillikin, both of whom were restricted free agents. Gillikin is entrenched at punter, while Ryland will compete with Joshua Karty for the kicker spot, though he appears to have the upper hand. The lone addition to the specialists’ room is Kreiter, who spent the past five years with the Giants. He is also familiar with the new special teams coach, Michael Ghobrial, from their time together in New York.

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Texas-based Buc-ee’s reveals opening date for first Arizona store

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Texas-based Buc-ee’s reveals opening date for first Arizona store


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Texas-born Buc-ee’s continues to expand across the country with its first Arizona location anticipated to open this summer.

The massive travel center will open in Goodyear, Arizona, on the corner of Interstate 10 and Bullard Avenue on Monday, June 22, the city revealed in a social media post, which warned travelers to expect traffic delays and carry plenty of water, snacks and gas.

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Goodyear is located about 17 miles west of Downtown Phoenix.

“Opening day is expected to be a major event, drawing visitors from across AZ and neighboring states. Expect heavy, slow-moving traffic in the area and allow for extra travel time,” the post said.

In anticipation of the opening, the parking lot will open at midnight, while doors will open at 6 a.m. local time. There’s also a ribbon-cutting ceremony that will be livestreamed on the City of Goodyear’s social media channels. The city also released a map to help with traffic flow.

The Goodyear Buc-ee’s will span 74,000 square feet, feature 120 fueling pumps, and will offer all the Buc-ee’s fan favorites, including Texas-style barbecue, homemade fudge, Beaver Nuggets, jerky, and freshly baked pastries.

“Buc-ee’s is a destination and 80% of its business comes from outside the city, which means it won’t take away from our existing businesses,” said Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo in a May 14 news release. “Buc-ee’s will add to the city’s revenue that helps pay for police, fire and streets.” 

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Buc-ee’s opening in Ohio. Here are other new locations coming soon

Buc-ee’s continues to expand across the country, including in Mansfield, Ohio, USA TODAY reports.

Other openings include:

2026

  • San Marcos, Texas: July 27
  • Benton, Arkansas: Aug. 17

2027

  • Ruston, Louisiana
  • Kansas City, Kansas
  • Gallaway, Tennessee
  • St. Lucie, Florida
  • Boerne, Texas
  • Monroe County, Georgia

2028

  • Mebane, North Carolina
  • Lafayette, Louisiana

2029 and beyond

  • Ocala, Florida
  • West Memphis, Arkansas
  • Oak Grove, Kentucky
  • Hardeeville, South Carolina (2031)

Nearest Buc-ee’s to me

Locate the nearest Buc-ee’s using the store locator.

Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.

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Arizona budget pauses tax exemptions for new data centers

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Arizona budget pauses tax exemptions for new data centers


In Part Two of Arizona’s Family First Alert Weather Monsoon 2026 special, meteorologists Ian Schwartz and April Warnecke explore the beautiful yet incredibly dangerous nature of monsoon lightning.

Did you know the state of Arizona experiences an average of 600,000 lightning strikes every single year? Our team breaks down the science of how these strikes form and details the catastrophic threat of “dry lightning”—the leading spark behind some of our state’s most historic wildfires. We look back at the devastating Dragon Bravo Fire, which scorched 145,000 acres and destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, as well as the tragic Yarnell Hill Fire of 2013, which claimed the lives of 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots.

We also share the incredible survival story of hiker Scott Courtright, who was struck by a bolt of lightning while atop Humphreys Peak. While there is a 90% survival rate for lightning strikes, 80% of survivors suffer lifelong health impacts, including neurological damage, depression, and PTSD. Ian and April debunk common lightning safety myths (like the belief that rubber shoes or “Crocs” will protect you) and explain why you should avoid taking a shower or using corded electronics during a storm.

Plus, Jennifer Armbruster from the Arizona Humane Society joins us with her dog Bubbles to share vital summer safety tips for your pets. We highlight why it is actually illegal in the city of Phoenix to keep a dog tethered outdoors during a monsoon warning.

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Finally, we look at the official climate outlook for the rest of the Monsoon 2026 season and explore how an emerging El Niño setup could bring much-needed rain—and cooler, cloud-covered days—to our dry desert.

Stay safe and stay weather aware this monsoon season. Watch the full episode now!



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Arizona police make arrest around Nancy Guthrie’s home

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Arizona police make arrest around Nancy Guthrie’s home


Local law enforcement in Arizona are increasing efforts to address unlawful behaviors from visitors in the neighborhood where Nancy Guthrie resided. Following Guthrie’s disappearance from her home on January 31st, residents have reported a surge in dubious activities, prompting the sheriff’s office to take action.


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6/9/2026, 5:23:15 PM



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