PHX Reporter

The Arizona Cardinals, after doubling their win total in 2024 with eight victories, are preparing for the 2025 season under the guidance of General Manager Monti Ossenfort. The team is focusing on free agency as a means to bolster their roster before the upcoming draft.

Special teams played a significant role in the Cardinals' performance last season. Jonathan Gannon and his coaching staff frequently praised this unit. One notable player was kicker Chad Ryland, who joined the team ahead of Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers. Ryland made an immediate impact by kicking a game-winning field goal and repeated this feat in two of the next three games. His performance earned him the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month award for October. Although Ryland is contracted through 2026, veteran kicker Matt Prater is now a free agent at age 40, leaving Ossenfort with decisions to make regarding their kicking lineup.

Punter Blake Gillikin also had a standout season despite nursing an injury late in the year. He signed a contract extension that keeps him with the Cardinals until 2026. Long snapper Aaron Brewer completed his ninth season with Arizona and remains consistent as ever. However, Brewer is also entering free agency.

Historically, the Cardinals have made several notable signings in special teams positions, including K Matt Prater (2021), P Andy Lee (2017), and LS Aaron Brewer (2016).

Looking ahead to mid-March, various specialists across the NFL are set to become free agents, presenting opportunities for teams looking to strengthen their special teams units.