Monti Ossenfort thought that Kyler Murray's excursion to California post-minicamp in which he brought a good chunk of his Cardinals teammates to work on the passing game was "awesome."
"I wish I would've been invited," the Cardinals general manager said on Sunday.
But it also underscored how much better of a position Ossenfort's team is in this year than last, as he has revamped the roster in addition to getting his QB1 healthy and part of the offseason and now training camp prep.
The roster is unquestionably deeper. "I think we're in a position where guys earn spots this year," Ossenfort said, and unsaid was that the thin personnel a year ago likely made a roster spot easier to attain for some. Offensively the Cardinals have Murray set with better weapons and an offensive line that was trending up as the season progressed.
Adding players could still happen in camp, although as of now the Cardinals have no injuries (and thus no practice needs). Upgrades? The pads have yet to go on, so that could change the equation over the next couple of weeks.
"The concept of roster building is ongoing all the time," Ossenfort said.
Ossenfort was asked about the lack of any serious additions to edge rusher; the Cardinals did spend a fifth-round pick on Xavier Thomas but did not sign anyone in free agency. Ossenfort noted that the market can dictate sometimes free-agent outcomes and the draft is dependent on what players are getting taken ahead of the Cardinals' picks.
"I wouldn't say it's a situation where we ignore a position, it's more the opportunity," he said.
As for players who might be in a position to get contract extensions because they are in the final years of their deals, Ossenfort didn't rule out having one happen in season.
"Those are case by case," he said, adding that the Cardinals will deal with those as they emerge. Among the Cards scheduled to be free agents after the season: running back James Conner, safety Budda Baker, linebackers Kyzir White and Zaven Collins, and offensive linemen Will Hernandez and Hjalte Froholdt.
But Ossenfort is happy with how the offseason unfolded, with Murray creating a "bonding experience" with his group as an example. The GM wasn't making any broad proclamations -- he wanted to wait to see the team in pads and playing "real football" -- but he thinks his team is in the right place for now.
"We have a long way to go," Ossenfort said. "We're ready to take the next step."
Take a look at the best images from Week 1 of the 2024 Arizona Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zach Pascal (0) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Kei'Trel Clark (13) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) and Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jaden Davis (39) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Darius Robinson (56) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jesse Luketa (43) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Justin Jones (93) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Myles Murphy (57) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) and Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins (84) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
The Arizona Cardinals during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune (15) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Darius Robinson (56) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) and Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Trystan Colon (63) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman L.J. Collier (91) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune (15) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek (81) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zach Pascal (0) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Justin Jones (93) and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins (25) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
The Arizona Cardinals during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Kei'Trel Clark (13) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Desmond Ridder (19) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) and Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins (84) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zach Pascal (0) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune (15) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Jackson Barton (66) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek (81) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zach Pascal (0) and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (12) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins (25) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas (20) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Desmond Ridder (19) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals safety Verone McKinley III (35) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals safety Joey Blount (32) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Friday, July 26, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Friday, July 26, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Phil Hoskins (79) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Friday, July 26, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Friday, July 26, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Friday, July 26, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Chris Moore (10) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Friday, July 26, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Friday, July 26, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jesse Luketa (43) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Friday, July 26, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune (15) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Friday, July 26, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Xavier Weaver (30) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Friday, July 26, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Friday, July 26, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Will Hernandez (76) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Friday, July 26, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Friday, July 26, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (12) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Friday, July 26, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Friday, July 26, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Darius Robinson (56) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Friday, July 26, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga (95) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Friday, July 26, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Friday, July 26, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (12) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Friday, July 26, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Daniel Arias (38) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Friday, July 26, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker BJ Ojulari (9) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Fans during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams (21) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
The Arizona Cardinals during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Fans during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (23) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (12) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Max Melton (16) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (23) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Elijah Wilkinson (65) and Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Jon Gaines II (59) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Christian Jones (75) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Elijah Jones (28) during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Fans during 2024 Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
