Arizona Cardinals made a pivotal decision by placing cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting on the non-football injury reserve, effectively ending his 2025 season. This strategic move opens opportunities for the Cardinals, particularly for rookies Will Johnson and Denzel Burke, who now have increased chances of making meaningful contributions this season. Prior to this, the Cardinals bolstered their cornerback depth through the acquisition of veteran Asante Samuel Jr. and the drafting of two promising cornerbacks, showing foresight in their defense plans.

Murphy-Bunting’s contract situation also benefits the Cardinals financially, as they are no longer obligated to pay his nearly $7.7 million salary for the season. With Garrett Williams emerging as a star and Max Melton expected to take on a larger role, the team's defensive strategy appears to be aligning for a dynamic 2025. This off-season transition reflects a proactive approach, similar to their prior strategic moves involving other key roster players.