Arizona’s 2024 free-agent splash largely missed, with only Mack Wilson and Evan Brown delivering solid season-long value. Calais Campbell, Dalvin Tomlinson and Josh Sweat carried big-name expectations but battled injuries and underperformance. Bilal Nichols, Sean Murphy-Bunting and Zay Jones faced hurdles, while DeeJay Dallas exited after preseason. The Cardinals’ 2025 outlook hinges on health, depth and better returns from this year’s additions.

Two breakout contributors stand out: Wilson anchored the middle and Brown logged season-long consistency at left guard, earning new deals. The club now pivots toward stability and health, banking on a deeper roster and clearer roles as it rebuilds around a healthier core and smarter FA picks.

Arizona's 53-man roster is set after a brisk cut-down day, with Kyler Murray returning to health and a defense that looks markedly deeper than in prior seasons. Jonathan Gannon is pegged as the big winner, steering a unit stocked with new contributors like Dalvin Tomlinson, Calais Campbell, Josh Sweat and Will Johnson, all ready to contribute early. The offense will lean on a healthier Murray to push the 2025 win line, while the defense aims for a hot start behind improved scheming and higher-end talent.

Rookie Walter Nolen III lands on the PUP list, delaying his debut and muddying the early rush edge. Arizona’s DL depth could still overpower opponents as the season unfolds, but early returns hinge on health and execution. The landscape for fantasy is clearest on the Cardinals’ DL rotation and Murray’s efficiency, with the defense promising more disruption and the offense poised for more explosive drives if the pieces click.

Dalvin Tomlinson sat out Cardinals practice with knee soreness after sustaining it in the preseason opener against Kansas City. Coach Jonathan Gannon described the issue as minor and not a cause for Cardinals fans to worry, signaling he will be held out until the season opener but should be ready for Week 1. Arizona emphasized rest this week, with starters not slated to play in the upcoming preseason finale versus Las Vegas. The Cardinals used the joint Broncos session to push the pace, avoiding any further setback.

The health update narrows attention to how the defensive line and run defense shape up early in the season, while fantasy managers watch for practice reports that could influence starting assignments and snap splits. The Rise Up, See Red podcast will continue to cover Cardinals news and flux as the team approaches the opener.

Arizona Cardinals 53-man roster projection follows a clean preseason opener, with Kyler Murray spearheading an offense that showed the pace head coach Jonathan Gannon wants. Jacoby Brissett shined in relief, making a strong case for a two-QB floor while Clayton Tune’s day underscored the risk of keeping three. In the backfield, James Conner remains the workhorse, while Emari Demercado impressed as a dynamic playmaker, especially as a receiver. Depth behind Conner is real: Benson and Carter supply burst and versatility, with returner value a tiebreaker to watch as cuts approach.

Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch form the top two receivers, with Xavier Weaver and Simi Fehoko providing intriguing later-round upside. The tight end spot is still in flux, but McBride is the starter, and Vokolek’s preseason shows him pushing for snaps. Up front, Paris Johnson Jr. and Jonah Williams anchor the tackles, with Evan Brown, Hjalte Froholdt, and Isaiah Adams shaping interior line depth. Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson anchor a deep interior DL, while Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson pace the secondary. Special teams look set with Chad Ryland, Blake Gillikin, and Aaron Brewer, barring injury.