Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort speaks to the press from the Arizona Cardinals training center in Tempe after the decision to fire head coach Jonathan Gannon on Jan. 5, 2026. Syndication: Arizona Republic
GLENDALE – The 2026 season is make or break for Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort. A 3-14 season had the head coach and starting quarterback booted out of Arizona, but Ossenfort surprisingly remained. This offseason is integral if the 48-year-old wants to keep his job. Even with that in mind, his free agent signings have been lackluster.
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After missing out on top free agent quarterback Malik Willis, the franchise pivoted to using the big money delegated to him on a bunch of low cost free agents. Ossenfort signed nine new additions to the roster, but has he done enough?
Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill and general manager Monti Ossenfort speak to the press from the Arizona Cardinals training center in Tempe after the decision to fire head coach Jonathan Gannon on Jan. 5, 2026.
Cardinals new additions in free agency thus far:
RB Tyler Allgeier
LS Casey Kreiter
QB Gardner Minshew II
OL Matt Pryor
OL Elijah Wilkinson
DL Jonah Williams
OL Isaac Seumalo
WR Kendrick Bourne
S Andrew Wingard
Nov 2, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers guard Isaac Seumalo warms up foe a game against the Indianapolis Colts.at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
The biggest signing was former Pittsburgh Steelers guard Isaac Seumalo for three years, $31.5 million deal. The 32-year-old was quite honest in his introductory press conference about why he chose Arizona, highlighting the money. Regardless, Seumalo, Matt Pryor and Elijah Wilkinson add some much needed depth to an offensive line.
Many of the top remaining free agents are offensive lineman, with ESPN ranking tackles Rasheed Walker and Taylor Decker in the top three. With Paris Johnson Jr. and newly signed Elijah Wilkinson expected to start at each tackle position, Walker and Decker seem like a pipe dream for Ossenfort to pursue.
Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker takes the field during player introductions for the game against the Denver Broncos at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023.
Another problems with remaining free agents is the age. The Cardinals are content with running back Jacoby Brissett as the starter in 2026, who went 1-11 last year. The franchise has basically confirmed it’s tanking for a high 2027 draft pick, despite the end of season press conference where Ossenfort and owner Michael Bidwill stated the team is trying to win next season.
Outside of Walker and WR Jauan Jennings, all the top free agents left are in their 30s. Arizona should be trying to develop many of the young guys on the roster offensively and defensively.
Unless a trade comes up for a massive star, which Ossenfort hasn’t pulled off in his tenure, the franchise is moving its eyes towards the draft. The Cardinals will likely look towards the defensive side of the ball with their third overall pick, spending plenty of money in free agency on the offense. If Ossenfort selects an edge, like Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. with the pick, the fourth-year GM addressed two of the biggest needs this offseason: O-Line and Pass Rush.
Whether that is enough to compete in 2026 is another question. Which makes Ossenfort’s approach this free agency questionable, given his job is on the line next season, and he won’t be able to afford another 3-14 season.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
