March 20, 2026, 9:18 a.m. MT

The Arizona Cardinals have made several moves in free agency so far. They have addressed many positions. While their moves might not be completely done, we know more or less what each position looks like.

The big question is: are the Cardinals are better as a result of the moves?

Over the next several articles, we will look at each position group and take a look at which players are not returning and who is new to determine whether they have improved at the position or not.

Let’s take a look at cornerback.

2026 Cardinals offseason moves at cornerback

Gone:

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Hall remains unsigned. It is possible is brought back.

Returning

Sean Murphy-BuntingGarrett WilliamsMax MeltonStar ThomasWill JohnsonDenzel BurkeKei’Trel ClarkJaden DavisKalen King

Thomas, coming off a torn ACL, was a restricted free agent whom the Cardinals opted not to tender, but they re-signed him to a one-year minimum deal. Murphy-Bunting missed the season with a knee injury and took a pay cut to remain with the team. King was a late-season addition who did not play. Davis played late in the season after spending more than a season and a half on the practice squad.

Williams tore his Achilles late in the season and will likely miss a chunk of the coming season. Melton saw his playing time decrease as Will Johnson and Denzel Burke, both rookies in 2025, emerged.

New additions:

With Thomas and Murphy-Bunting returning from injuries after not playing at all in 2025, it is like adding players, but they have done zilch to address the position outside their own players.

Are the Cardinals better at cornerback?

Not on paper

If we are just looking at the players on the roster now compared to this time a year ago, nothing has changed except for swapping out a couple of back-of-the-roster guys.

They should be better on the field because Murphy-Bunting and Thomas return, and Johnson and Burke have a year of NFL experience now.

Williams won’t play early on. Melton is perhaps a trade candidate.

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