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: Specialists Feb. 20, Running Backs Feb. 24, Inside Linebackers Feb. 27, Wide Receivers March 3, Offensive Line March 5, Defensive Line March 6

Other free agent primers: OLB, TE, QB

Cap hit of players under contract for 2025 (via OverTheCap.com): Jalen Thompson ($13,747,750), Budda Baker ($10,801,250), Sean Murphy-Bunting ($9,955,000), Max Melton ($2,020,070), Garrett Williams ($1,536,799), Elijah Jones ($1,292,163), Dadrion Taylor-Demerson ($1,171,711), Darren Hall ($1,100,000), Kei'Trel Clark ($1,082,150), Jammie Robinson ($1,030,000), Starling Thomas V ($1,030,000), Ekow Boye-Doe ($960,000), Jaden Davis ($840,000)

Analysis: A conversation about the Cardinals secondary can not begin without mentioning Budda Baker. In his eighth season, Baker continued to showcase why he is the standard, finishing the year with 164 tackles en route to a seventh Pro Bowl. When Jalen Thompson missed two games due to an ankle injury, rookie Dadrion Taylor-Demerson played like a veteran in his place.

Outside of signing Sean Murphy-Bunting last season, the Cardinals haven't made any major moves to the secondary via free agency. Murphy-Bunting, 27, emerged as the elder statesman among the cornerbacks. The coaching staff has acknowledged his leadership in a room that features mostly first and second-year players.

Speaking of the young guys, Garrett Williams shined throughout the season. Pro Football Focus named the second-year cornerback as a Second Team All-Pro. Starling Thomas V also took a jump, starting in 15 games this season. Max Melton logged over 500 snaps as the rookie was thrown into action. Plus, the Cardinals have third-rounder Elijah Jones in the pipeline after missing the entire season with an ankle injury.

The secondary is Jonathan Gannon's specialty and the unit he's repeatedly called his baby. As a defensive backs guy, he's always looking at ways to help improve the room. Last season, the emphasis on the secondary went through the draft. Might that change this season?

Notable past free agent secondary signings: Sean Murphy-Bunting (2024); Robert Alford (2019); Tre Boston (2018); Antoine Bethea (2017); Tramon Williams (2017); Tyvon Branch (2016); Antonio Cromartie (2014); Jerraud Powers (2013); Antoine Cason (2013); William Gay (2012); Bryant McFadden (2009); Roderick Hood (2007); Ralph Brown (2007); David Macklin (2004); Dexter Jackson (2003); Duane Starks (2002); Andre Waters (1994); Mike Zordich (1989).