Cardinals Secure Key Pieces Ahead of Free Agency

Arizona retains running back, cornerback, kicker, and punter in pre-free agency moves

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Arizona Cardinals made several moves on Sunday, restructuring deals for running back James Conner and cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting, while also re-signing kicker Chad Ryland and punter Blake Gillikin. These decisions will shape the team's roster as they head into the 2026 NFL free agency period.

Why it matters

The Cardinals' moves to retain key players like Conner and Murphy-Bunting, as well as special teams standouts Ryland and Gillikin, demonstrate the team's commitment to continuity and building around their existing core. These decisions will impact the team's strategy and priorities as they look to address other roster needs in free agency.

The details

The Cardinals restructured Conner's contract, keeping the veteran running back in the fold. This likely takes Notre Dame prospect Jeremiyah Love out of consideration for the team's first-round pick. Arizona also reworked Murphy-Bunting's deal, retaining the experienced cornerback to provide depth and leadership in a young secondary. The team re-signed both Ryland, who will compete for the starting kicker job, and Gillikin, one of the league's top punters when healthy.

  • The Cardinals made these moves on Sunday, March 8, 2026, just ahead of the start of NFL free agency.

The players

James Conner

A veteran running back who has been a key part of the Cardinals' offense.

Sean Murphy-Bunting

An experienced cornerback who will provide depth and leadership in the Cardinals' secondary.

Chad Ryland

The Cardinals' kicker who will compete for the starting job in 2026.

Blake Gillikin

The Cardinals' punter, one of the league's best when healthy.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Cardinals' pre-free agency moves demonstrate their focus on retaining key pieces of their roster, from the backfield to the secondary to special teams. This continuity will be crucial as they look to address other needs and build a competitive team for the 2026 season.