Arizona Cardinals Jonathan Gannon. It seems as though the Arizona Cardinals are poised to become a great club. Arizona was in the battle for the NFC West division for almost the whole 2024 season, finishing with an 8-9 record. Regretfully, they were unable to overcome the obstacle and win the division.
Even though this is a disheartening season-ending result, Cardinals supporters must take heart in the team’s current trajectory under head coach Jonathan Gannon. Arizona’s rise to nine victories in 2024 is all the more astounding given that they were 4-13 in Gannon’s first season.
Given that the roster still needs a lot of work, Cardinals supporters should be even more thrilled. Although numerous good players have joined under Gannon’s leadership, they still need at least one more summer to establish themselves on the club. Arizona Cardinals Jonathan Gannon
Arizona, the 16th overall choice in the 2025 NFL Draft, has over $70 million in salary space going into the summer. The Cardinals might enhance their squad to the point where they are a serious contender for the NFC West if they use those funds effectively.
The Cardinals may even decide to strengthen their roster with a few transactions to get things started. Now is the moment for Gannon’s government to take action, even if it means spending some future draft money.
Two of the top players the Cardinals could acquire in the 2025 NFL offseason are examined below.
Arizona’s defensive line would be greatly improved by Kayvon Thibodeaux.
The trading terms come first.
The Cardinals are given:
EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux, the Giants’ fourth-round pick in 2025:
2025 second-round selection
2026 fifth-round selection
An edge rusher is desperately needed by the Cardinals. There is an abundance of quality at the position in this year’s draft class. Arizona could easily bolster their defensive line with a first-round pick. Still, the Cardinals need all the assistance they can get.
Without a compelling offer like the one above, New York might not relinquish Thibodeaux. The Giants might actually be unwilling to make any trades for Thibodeaux. To get rid of their youthful pass rusher, they might also need a much more powerful package. However, it would be a significant improvement if the Cardinals were able to sign him.
2023 was Thibodeaux’s greatest season. During the season, he recorded 11.5 sacks and 50 total tackles. Despite missing five games due to injury, he did not produce at the same level in 2024. Arizona Cardinals Jonathan Gannon.
If Arizona were to add Thibodeaux alongside Zaven Collins and 2024 first-round pick Darius Robinson, it would give them valuable flexibility on the defensive line. Imagine if the Cardinals completed this trade, signed a veteran in free agency, and used their first-round pick on an edge rusher—their pass rush would transform from a weakness into a strength.
While the Giants might opt to pick up Thibodeaux’s fifth-year option, he is currently entering the final year of his rookie contract. However, with Arizona’s ample cap space, securing a long-term extension wouldn’t be an issue.
Arizona’s linebacker rotation would get a dependable starter if Quay Walker were acquired.
The trading terms come first.
The Cardinals are given:
In exchange for LB Quay Walker’s 2025 fifth-round pick, the Packers get:
2026 sixth-round selection
Fifth-round selection swap in 2025
Going into the summer, the Cardinals are in dire need of an off-ball linebacker. In 2024, Arizona’s linebackers performed poorly, which made this a critical position. Kyzir White, Baron Browning, and Krys Barnes, however, are expected to leave the Cardinals due to free agency. The only reliable linebackers they have left are Owen Pappoe and Mack Wilson Sr. Perhaps that’s a fair description.
In order to compensate for the loss of White, Browning, and Barnes, Arizona has to sign at least two new linebackers this summer. Waiting for a rookie to become a full-time starter might not be an option for the Cardinals. Quay Walker can help with that.
Walker was previously selected by the Packers in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. For the last three seasons, he has been a reliable starter for the Packers. Nevertheless, he has undoubtedly fallen short of expectations.
Throughout his career, Walker has recorded more than 100 total tackles and added a few spectacular plays each season. In addition, he has made numerous foolish errors and appears to have lost the support of Green Bay’s coaching staff.
Last offseason, Edgerrin Cooper joined the Packers. Walker might become expendable with Cooper and Isaiah McDuffie in the mix. He might be traded if the Packers decide not to pick up his fifth-year option.
Walker’s worries shouldn’t deter the Cardinals from considering a trade for him. The Cardinals ought to give adding him careful thought, if the price is reasonable.
