The Arizona Cardinals are set to open their training camp on Wednesday, facing expectations of a challenging NFL season. The team is under the guidance of new head coach Mike LaFleur, a 39-year-old who previously served as offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.
LaFleur comes to Arizona with experience from a successful Rams offense, but he inherits a team in a particularly difficult division. The NFC West includes the Los Angeles Rams, who reached the conference championship game last season, the Seattle Seahawks, who won the Super Bowl, and the San Francisco 49ers, another playoff team from the previous year. All three division opponents boast strong rosters and accomplished quarterbacks, including Matthew Stafford for the Rams, Sam Darnold for the Seahawks, and Brock Purdy for the 49ers.
Quarterback Room Uncertainty
The Cardinals' quarterback situation adds to the team's challenges. Last season, starting quarterback Kyler Murray was sidelined by injuries, leading to Jacoby Brissett starting 12 games with a 1-11 record in those contests. The team's offseason moves to bolster the quarterback room include signing Gardner Minshew and drafting Carson Beck from the University of Miami in the third round.
Brissett, who is due to earn $4.88 million this season, has reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with his contract. Having signed last year with the understanding he would be a backup, he is seeking a raise. His participation in the offseason program has been limited, with his focus reportedly on contract negotiations rather than learning the new offensive scheme. The team acknowledges he may be underpaid as a starter but has not yet offered a contract adjustment sufficient to retain him. His attendance at training camp and willingness to participate are uncertain.
Additional Off-Field Concerns
Adding to the team's complexities, starting guard Isaiah Adams was arrested in Canada on gun charges, including possession of a firearm obtained by crime, possession without a permit, and possession of a prohibited device. The weapon in question was reportedly an Uzi-style firearm.
Last season, the Cardinals finished with a 3-14 record. The current outlook suggests another potentially difficult year, with observers noting that the team's best hope for future success might lie in securing a high draft pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
