One of the most baffling organizations to watch this NFL offseason has been the Arizona Cardinals. Since the end of the 2025 season, the franchise has made a series of moves—some understandable, others far more difficult to justify.
Some decisions have made sense, such as moving in a new direction at quarterback. Others, however, have been questionable at best.
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Most recently, the Cardinals have found themselves in a contract standoff with backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Now, reports indicate Arizona has informed teams that EDGE rusher Josh Sweat, who requested a trade, will not be moved. The news comes just days after reports suggested the Cardinals and Green Bay Packers were nearing a deal involving Sweat.
Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Mike LaFleur (right) introduce their first-round draft pick running back Jeremiyah Love during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
So what is the bigger picture here?
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Yes, Arizona has made some positive moves. The organization hired Matt LaFleur as head coach and finally moved on from Kyler Murray’s burdensome contract. But then it allows Brissett to operate as if he’s a franchise quarterback, refuses to trade a valuable asset that could bring back future draft capital, and follows that up with several puzzling draft decisions.
The most polarizing move came with the No. 3 overall selection of Jeremiyah Love. Love may ultimately prove to be an excellent player, but the pick raised immediate questions. Arizona already had two or three running backs capable of handling starting duties, and there appears to be little urgency to move on from any of them.
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Then there’s the quarterback situation.
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Brissett’s holdout appears to be a significant miscalculation on his part. Meanwhile, the Cardinals selected Carson Beck in the draft with a third-round pick. If the organization valued Beck enough to invest that kind of draft capital, why not give him an opportunity alongside Gardner Minshew? Beck may not be the most exciting name for fans, but spending a third-round pick on a quarterback suggests the team sees legitimate potential.
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Miami quarterback Carson Beck (QB04) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Cardinals shouldn’t tank, but when you combine these recent developments with questionable draft choices and an apparent lack of direction, it’s fair to wonder what the organization’s plan actually is.
If the goal is to compete for a Super Bowl, that window may have already closed back in March.
Right now, Arizona should seriously consider moving both Brissett and Sweat while giving its younger players an opportunity to develop. This roster is not built to contend for a championship in 2026, but it does have the foundation of a promising future. Between its young defensive talent and several intriguing offensive playmakers, there are legitimate reasons for optimism.
The Cardinals must recognize that reality sooner rather than later. If the front office cannot establish a clear vision, none of the other moves will matter. Right now, Arizona is operating like a franchise without a defined direction.
Fortunately, it’s not too late to change that perception.