National Outlets Unimpressed With Cardinals' Free Agency Moves

Arizona's offseason additions fail to excite national media critics

Mar. 21, 2026 at 8:04pm

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The Arizona Cardinals had a quiet free agency period, failing to make any major splashes according to national media outlets. While the team added some solid veteran pieces like offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo and running back Tyler Allgeier, the overall consensus is that the Cardinals are in a rebuilding mode following the departure of quarterback Kyler Murray.

Why it matters

The Cardinals are in a transitional phase after parting ways with their former franchise quarterback, and their free agency moves suggest they are focused on building depth and preparing for the future through the draft rather than making a big splash in the open market.

The details

CBS Sports graded the Cardinals' free agency a 'C', with the outlet noting that the team is essentially "tanking" by allowing Murray to leave and replacing him with journeyman QB Jacoby Brissett. Pro Football Focus was slightly more positive, giving the Cardinals a 'C+' grade and highlighting the signings of Seumalo and Allgeier as solid additions. However, the overall sentiment is that Arizona did not do enough to significantly improve the roster this offseason.

  • The 2027 NFL free agency period began on March 15, 2027.

The players

Mike LaFleur

The new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.

Kyler Murray

The former starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals, who has since signed with the Minnesota Vikings.

Jacoby Brissett

The veteran quarterback who is expected to take over as the starting QB for the Cardinals following Murray's departure.

Isaac Seumalo

An offensive lineman signed by the Cardinals in free agency, who was praised for his strong pass and run blocking metrics.

Tyler Allgeier

A running back signed by the Cardinals in free agency, who has shown consistency and reliability in his NFL career so far.

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What they’re saying

“The Arizona Cardinals have entered the 2027 NFL Draft tank race. With a new head coach in Mike LaFleur and allowing Kyler Murray to walk on over to the Minnesota Vikings, the Cardinals essentially declared they would be running it back with Jacoby Brissett.”

— Garrett Podell

“While he's unlikely to be a workhorse, Allgeier has consistently been solid since arriving in the NFL out of BYU in 2022. He has never fumbled on a rushing attempt while averaging 3.27 yards after contact per carry.”

— Gordon McGuinness

What’s next

The Cardinals will look to address their remaining needs through the 2027 NFL Draft, where they hold the 3rd overall pick.

The takeaway

The Cardinals' quiet free agency period suggests they are in rebuilding mode following the departure of Kyler Murray, prioritizing depth and draft capital over splashy signings. While they added some solid veteran pieces, the national perception is that Arizona did not do enough to significantly improve the roster this offseason.