Mike LaFleur is preparing for his first free agency period as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, following a disappointing 2025 season. Team owner Michael Bidwill has expressed his desire for a quick turnaround. The roster-building process will be led by LaFleur and general manager Monti Ossenfort as they look to shape the team’s identity for the upcoming year.
The defensive line remains an area of focus for the Cardinals. Veteran Calais Campbell, who completed his 18th NFL season in 2025, was a key contributor but is set to become a free agent if he does not retire. Last offseason, Campbell signed later in April, leaving uncertainty about his future when free agency opens on March 11.
Arizona has invested significantly in its defensive front in recent years. Dalvin Tomlinson joined on a substantial contract, and the team used first-round draft picks on defensive linemen in consecutive drafts. Despite these moves, there were challenges last season: Tomlinson faced frequent double teams but saw declines in tackles for loss and sacks; Darius Robinson struggled with quarterback pressures; and Walter Nolen III missed time due to injury and surgery, recording two sacks over six games.
The Cardinals’ cap commitments at defensive line for 2026 include Dalvin Tomlinson ($16.2 million), Bilal Nichols ($7.8 million), Walter Nolen III ($4.4 million), Darius Robinson ($3.8 million), Dante Stills ($3.7 million), and Zachary Carter ($1.2 million).
The upcoming free agent class offers several disruptive front-seven players who could fit into coordinator Nick Rallis’ scheme, which features varied looks along the line of scrimmage.
In recent years, notable free agent signings by Arizona at this position have included Justin Jones (2024), Bilal Nichols (2024), L.J. Collier (2023), J.J. Watt (2021), Jordan Phillips (2020), Darius Philon (2019), Corey Peters (2015), Cory Redding (2015), Frostee Rucker (2013), Bryan Robinson (2008), Kendrick Clancy (2006), Chike Okeafor (2005), Bertrand Berry (2004) and Clyde Simmons (1994).
The Cardinals are one of the oldest continuously operating professional football franchises in the United States and play their home games in Glendale, serving the greater Phoenix area as part of the NFC West division (official website). The organization captured an NFC championship in 2008 (official website).
Free agency coverage continues this week with primers focusing on inside linebackers, secondary players, running backs, and quarterbacks.