The Cardinals doubled their win total in 2024, finishing the year with eight victories after back-to-back four win seasons. It's a step in the right direction for the Cardinals as general manager Monti Ossenfort is set to improve the team heading into 2025. While Ossenfort is credited for piecing together strong draft classes, the organization will take its swing at free agency first.
Free Agent primer schedule: Wide Receivers March 3, Offensive Line March 5, Defensive Line March 6
Cap hit of players under contract for 2025 (via OverTheCap.com): Mack Wilson Sr. ($4,941,666), Milo Eifler ($1,100,000), Owen Pappoe ($1,091,245), Vi Jones ($1,030,000)
Analysis: Linebacker Kyzir White has been a staple on the defense since Jonathan Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis were hired. White followed the coaching duo from Philadelphia to Arizona, earning captain recognition upon arrival.
Following the 2024 season, White posted a collection of photos with a caption that said, "Thank you AZ," implying the upcoming free-agent would likely test the market. However, Monti Ossenfort admitted re-signing current players is a priority for the Cardinals. That includes White.
If the Cardinals don't make a deal to re-sign White through Mar. 12, he'll become eligible for all 32 teams but could always return if a deal is worked out. Another free-agent-to-be is Krys Barnes, a player the Cardinals have signed in back-to-back seasons on a one-year deal.
Last free agency, the Cardinals inked a deal with Mack Wilson Sr. While listed as an inside linebacker, Wilson's versatility allows him to play off the edge as well. The staff has also shared confidence in Owen Pappoe. Now entering his third season, Pappoe has been a core special teams player with 131 defensive snaps.
There's a lot of options available via free agency, and time will tell if Ossenfort dips into the pool of free agents or brings back their two-time captain.
Notable past free agent inside linebacker signings: Wilson (2024); White (2023); De'Vondre Campbell (2020); Jordan Hicks (2019); Josh Bynes (2017); Karlos Dansby (2017); LaMarr Woodley (2015); Larry Foote (2014); Dansby (2013); Paris Lenon (2010); Seth Joyner (1994).
A look at some of the top inside linebackers across the NFL who are scheduled to become free agents in mid-March
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun (53) in action against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Doug Benc)
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw (57) defends during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 in Santa Clara, Calif. The Rams defeated the 49ers 12-6. (Greg Trott via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton (32) lines up before the snap during the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Bills 32 - 29. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones (13) looks into the backfield during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. The Seahawks defeated the Rams 30-25. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) points to offense to make a defensive call during an NFL football divisional playoff game against the Detroit Lions, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. The Commanders defeated the Lions 45-31. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David (54) in coverage during an NFL football wild card playoff game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. The Commanders defeated the Buccaneers 23-20. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Miami Dolphins linebacker Tyrel Dodson (11) rushes Cleveland Browns guard Wyatt Teller (77) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024 in Cleveland. (Miami Dolphins via AP)
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) defends in coverage during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in New Orleans. The Raiders defeated the Saints 25-10. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss runs past Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
New York Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood (44) lines up before the snap during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jets defeated the Jaguars 32 - 25.(Perry Knotts via AP)
