In the Spotlight: Arizona Cardinals Begin a New Era in 2026

Few NFL teams enter the 2026 season facing a more significant reset than the Arizona Cardinals. The squad finished 3-14 in 2025, last in the NFC West, and followed the disappointing season by making major changes at both head coach and quarterback.

Mike LaFleur takes over as head coach after serving as offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, while the Cardinals have moved on from longtime quarterback Kyler Murray. Arizona released Murray in March, ending a seven-year run that began when the franchise selected him No. 1 overall in 2019.

The result is a Cardinals team that appears to be rebuilding while trying to determine which players can become long-term pieces. With the Rams, Seahawks and 49ers creating one of the NFL’s toughest divisional environments, Arizona enters 2026 with relatively modest expectations.

What to Watch

The offense will be the biggest story. Veteran Jacoby Brissett has emerged as the front-runner to start, with Gardner Minshew providing another experienced option and rookie Carson Beck offering some developmental upside. Beck, a third-round draft pick, completed 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown in his preseason debut before being sidelined by minor rib discomfort.

Arizona also made a major investment in its backfield by selecting Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick. Love rushed 11 times for 58 yards against Las Vegas before suffering a high ankle sprain that is expected to keep him out for the remainder of the preseason. The Cardinals hope he can return for the regular-season opener.

Marvin Harrison Jr. and tight end Trey McBride remain two of the offense’s most important weapons. Arizona also added veteran receiver Kendrick Bourne and running back Tyler Allgeier, giving LaFleur additional options as he installs his offense.

The offensive line is another area to monitor. Arizona signed veteran guard Isaac Seumalo to a three-year deal, but second-round rookie Chase Bisontis suffered a potentially significant knee injury during the preseason.

Betting Outlook

Sportsbooks like FanDuel and Caesars aren’t expecting an immediate turnaround. Arizona entered the summer with one of the NFL’s lowest projected win totals at 3.5 victories. BetMGM listed Over 3.5 at -145 and Under 3.5 at +120 in July.

The longer-range futures are even more pessimistic. DraftKings odds reported by CBS Sports on July 1 placed Arizona at +10,000 to win the NFC West, +20,000 to win the NFC and +50,000 to win the Super Bowl. The Cardinals were also +2,000 to reach the playoffs.

The Over 3.5 wins may be the most realistic market for bettors considering Arizona. However, six games against the Rams, Seahawks and 49ers create a difficult divisional path, while games against Kansas City, Philadelphia, Dallas and Washington add additional challenges.

Key Team Details

2025 record: 3-14, fourth in NFC West.

Key players to watch: Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey McBride, Jeremiyah Love, Tyler Allgeier, Darius Robinson and Carson Beck.

Expected starting QB: Jacoby Brissett enters the latter stages of the preseason as the front-runner, with Gardner Minshew and rookie Carson Beck also in the quarterback room.

Key signings and additions for 2026-27 season: RB Jeremiyah Love (No. 3 overall draft pick), QB Carson Beck, RB Tyler Allgeier, QB Gardner Minshew, WR Kendrick Bourne, WR Devin Duvernay, G Isaac Seumalo, G Chase Bisontis, DL Andrew Billings and S Andrew Wingard.

Odds to win NFC West: +10,000 Odds to win NFC: +20,000 Odds to win Super Bowl: +50,000 Win total: 3.5 games.

For Arizona, 2026 is less about being viewed as an immediate contender and more about establishing the foundation of LaFleur’s program. Development from Harrison, Love and the team’s other young players could ultimately matter more than the final record as the Cardinals begin building toward their next competitive window.

2026-27 Arizona Cardinals Schedule