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: Running Backs Feb. 24, Inside Linebackers Feb. 27, Wide Receivers March 3, Offensive Line March 5, Defensive Line March 6
Cap hit of players under contract for 2025 (via OverTheCap.com): Blake Gillikin ($2,250,000), Chad Ryland ($1,030,000)
Analysis: The Cardinals special teams unit earned consistent praise from Jonathan Gannon and the coaching staff throughout the 2024 season. You never want any player to have an injury, but it becomes a bigger challenge since a team doesn't typically carry multiple punters or kickers on the roster. But the Cardinals nailed it when adversity struck, signing Chad Ryland.
Ryland was brought in ahead of Week 5 against the 49ers in place of Matt Prater. In that game, Ryland kicked the game-winning field goal. He did the same in two of the next three games, earning NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for October. Ryland is under contract through 2026, but Prater, 40, is a free agent. It'll be up to Monti Ossenfort to decide if they stick with Ryland and/or re-sign the veteran kicker.
Blake Gillikin nursed a late season injury, but the Cardinals punter inked a deal prior to last season keeping him in the desert through 2026. Gillikin was having a Pro Bowl caliber season.
Long snapper Aaron Brewer completed his 9th season in Arizona and 13th in the league. Brewer was as consistent as they came in 2024. The past two seasons, the Cardinals have brought in another long snapper during training camp to compete with Brewer, and the veteran won the battle both times. He's also a free agent.
Notable past free agent secondary signings: K Matt Prater (2021); K Phil Dawson (2017); P Andy Lee (2017); LS Aaron Brewer (2016); K Chandler Catanzaro (2014); P Drew Butler (2014); P Dave Zastudil (2011); K Jay Feely (2010); K Mike Nugent (2009); LS Mike Leach (2009); P Ben Graham (2008); P Dirk Johnson (2008); K Neil Rackers (2003); LS Nathan Hodel (2001); K Cary Blanchard (2000); K Chris Jacke (1998); P Scott Player (1998); K Joe Nedney (1997); LS Trey Junkin (1996); P Jeff Feagles (1994).
A look at some of the top specialists across the NFL who are scheduled to become free agents in mid-March
Washington Commanders punter Tress Way (10) in action during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Tennessee Titans kicker Nick Folk (6) kicks a field goal from the hold by punter Ryan Stonehouse (4) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
Kansas City Chiefs long snapper James Winchester (41) prepares for the snap during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (Evan Sanders/Kansas City Chiefs via AP)
Dallas Cowboys punter Bryan Anger (5) punts the ball during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. The Commanders defeated the Cowboys 23-19. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Carolina Panthers punter Johnny Hekker (10) holds as place kicker Eddy Pineiro (4) kicks a third quarter extra point during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024 in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers defeated the Saints 23-22. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Tennessee Titans long snapper Morgan Cox (46) and the special team line up against the Houston Texans defense during the first half of an NFL football game, Jan. 5, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
Los Angeles Chargers punter JK Scott (16) punts during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. The Buccaneers defeated the Chargers 40-17. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New England Patriots place kicker Joey Slye (13) lines up a kick during the game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024 in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Bills defeated the Patriots 24-21. (Lauren Bacho via AP)
Philadelphia Eagles long snapper Rick Lovato (49) lines up during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Chicago Bears long snapper Patrick Scales (48) stands on the playing field in pre game warm up during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won 19-7. (Scott Boehm via AP)
