As the Arizona Cardinals anticipate their 2025 season opener against the New Orleans Saints, the legacy of players who wore the iconic No. 43 takes center stage. Among the notable names is Mykal Walker, the latest addition to the Cardinals roster, who brings fresh hopes to the linebacker position. His tenure follows a mix of talented players, including Haason Reddick, who had standout moments but ultimately did not reach his peak with the team. The history of No. 43 showcases a blend of key defensive players who have contributed significantly to the Cardinals' identity over the years.

Walker, now donning No. 43, is expected to make an impact as the Cardinals look to rebuild and strategize for a competitive season. The countdown to the opener highlights the importance of historical numbers and the players who made them significant. With the Cardinals aiming for success, the legacy behind No. 43 will motivate them as they prepare for the upcoming challenges.

The Arizona Cardinals are gearing up for the upcoming training camp, set to begin on July 22. Among the players preparing for the season is linebacker Mykal Walker, who was signed as an unrestricted free agent on March 14, after spending time with the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders. A fourth-round draft pick in 2020, Walker has started 20 of the 74 games in his career, with a notable performance in the postseason last year.

In the 2024 season, Walker had limited action, playing 77 defensive snaps and contributing 10 tackles. However, his impact was felt more on special teams, where he played a significant role with 344 snaps and recorded two fumble recoveries. His one-year contract with the Cardinals is valued at $1 million, and his versatility will be crucial as the team evaluates its roster ahead of the regular season.

The Arizona Cardinals are reshaping their roster with significant changes as they enter the offseason. Key free agents such as Kyzir White, Jesse Luketa, and Dennis Gardeck are unlikely to return. White and Gardeck were both starters and team captains, but their jersey numbers have been reassigned—White's No. 7 to Jacoby Brissett and Gardeck's No. 45 to rookie Oscar Cardenas. Luketa, who ended last season on injured reserve, was not tendered and has yet to find a new team, with his No. 43 now belonging to Mykal Walker.

This move hints at the Cardinals' commitment to moving forward without these veterans as they look to integrate new talent like Akeem Davis-Gaither and rookie Cody Simon into the defensive lineup. Although Will Hernandez still has his No. 76 available, which leaves a glimmer of hope for his return, other free agents like Krys Barnes are also on the chopping block. As the offseason progresses, these roster decisions will shape the team's identity heading into the upcoming season.

The Arizona Cardinals are keen on strengthening their linebacker corps with a potential acquisition of Ja'Whaun Bentley, a former New England Patriot. After signing Akeem Davis-Gaither and Mykal Walker, the Cardinals are considering Bentley who brings experience and leadership, having been a starter since 2020 before a season-ending injury last year. Bentley's history of posting over 100 tackles in three consecutive seasons suggests he can provide substantial defensive support if healthy.

General Manager Monti Ossenfort, who previously scouted Bentley for the Patriots, might see him as a fitting addition to mentor the younger linebackers. With Davis-Gaither set to start, Bentley’s presence could enhance the overall performance of the defense, making the Cardinals a formidable force on that side of the ball.

The Arizona Cardinals have finalized a one-year contract with linebacker Mykal Walker, formerly of the Washington Commanders, worth $1.79 million. This deal includes a $500,000 guarantee, which consists of a $200,000 signing bonus and $300,000 from his 2025 base salary. Walker, who played all 17 games last season, can also earn additional bonuses totaling $255,000 for offseason workouts and per-game roster bonuses. Walker joins a list of recently signed players, contributing to a total cap hit of $20.548 million for the team this year, as they await additional figures from new and re-signed players.