PHX Reporter

The Cardinals are experiencing a period of significant change, which extends beyond the team itself.

Recently, the business operations moved to a new building nearby. The organization has expanded with dozens of new hires. At State Farm Stadium, multiple upgrades are underway, including high-end seating options and enhancements to food services, sideline aesthetics, and game day presentations.

On the football side, last season marked the beginning of a new era under coach Jonathan Gannon and GM Monti Ossenfort. The foundation for the team's culture was established in 2023. As the Cardinals report to The Wigwam resort on Tuesday and begin their first training camp field work on Wednesday at State Farm Stadium, there is a sense that this year's team aligns more closely with the regime's vision.

While the team is not yet fully developed, there is considerable optimism with Kyler Murray's return to health and an influx of draft picks over two years. This outlook persists despite last year's four-win season.

"You put in all the circumstances that went into it (last year), you have a new coaching staff, you have a whole new team, you have a new upstairs, you have new everything," linebacker Zaven Collins said. "You're starting from scratch. Kyler was also hurt at the beginning of the year. You have literally everything going against you."

"It's not an excuse. It's the NFL, right? But now you have a fresh start where everyone is back, everyone is healthy; guys they have brought in from all over the place; and I feel like upstairs—the coaches—they have everyone they want and you can build on that. You go into the season thinking, 'OK, we got this. It's time to go.'"

Rookie cornerback Max Melton arrived at training camp sporting a throwback Kevin Kolb Cardinals jersey.

The first practice open to the public is scheduled for Thursday (free online tickets required). Although pads will not be worn until July 29 due to mandatory NFL ramp-up time for players, evaluations will commence immediately.

Key areas for assessment include how quickly rookies like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Darius Robinson can adapt, determining cornerback rotation configurations, and identifying who will play left guard.

Training camp at State Farm Stadium continues through August 10 before transitioning into joint practices and preseason games against other teams such as Indianapolis Colts after facing New Orleans Saints at home.

"The culture is built and everyone has fallen in line," linebacker Dennis Gardeck said. "Now it's just 'These are the marching orders; this is where we are going.' It's more of a relaxed confidence of 'This is where we are headed; this is what we are going to do.'"

In roster news, offensive lineman Carter O'Donnell was released on Tuesday with a waived/injured designation after appearing in five games last season.