PHX Reporter

Monti Ossenfort and Michael Bidwill, leaders of the Arizona Cardinals, are planning an active approach in the upcoming free agency period. This marks a shift from their usual strategy as they have over $76 million in cap space, the fourth most available according to overthecap.com. The team is aiming to build on their recent performance in the NFC West.

"We are going to be active (in free agency)," said Ossenfort. "We're going to look for every avenue to improve the team, but we have to be smart about not only this year's team, but as we build for the future and our own players that we want to extend."

Trey McBride, a standout tight end and nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, is among those eligible for contract extension discussions. Ossenfort expressed intentions to address his contract when appropriate.

Despite missing out on the playoffs last season, optimism remains high within the organization after achieving eight wins in 2024—double their previous season's total—and winning five of their last six home games at State Farm Stadium. This positive momentum has extended to fans, with 3,500 new season tickets sold since season's end.

Bidwill highlighted ongoing investments in stadium enhancements aimed at improving fan experience. "You look at the improvement that we've made to the stadium, about $300 million over the last several years," he said. "It's not just at the higher end; it's all throughout the stadium."

Addressing a recent lawsuit against him, Bidwill stated he "strongly denies all these allegations" and looks forward to defending himself through due process.

The Cardinals' leadership also discussed broader NFL topics such as flag football's growth and potential talks with the NFL Players Association regarding an 18-game regular season.

As preparations for 2025 continue, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and quarterback Kyler Murray have been training diligently at team facilities. Ossenfort emphasized improvement goals: "With our whole team, we have to finish," he said.

With aspirations of becoming playoff contenders again, Bidwill expressed confidence in their current direction: "This is such a competitive division. With a few more pieces this offseason, I feel like we've got the right combination of coaching, players, roster, to take the next step."