Arizona Cardinals News

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Jalen Thompson  • S  •  Cardinals

Jalen Thompson A Potential Cap Casualty

The Athletic's Doug Haller writes that the Arizona Cardinals don't have an obvious potential salary cap casualty on their roster this offseason with the fourth-most available cap space ($71.3 million), per Over The Cap, but safety Jalen Thompson could be a possibility. Thompson has been a starter for most of his six seasons and has been dependable, but he's also entering the final year of his current contract, and the Cardinals locked up Budda Baker last December. In addition, Arizona drafted Dadrion Taylor-Demerson in the fourth round in 2024. Releasing Thompson would save the Cardinals almost $6.6 million in cap space this year. The 26-year-old was pretty productive in 2024 in his sixth year in the NFL, recording 98 tackles (61 solo), three tackles for loss, three pass breakups and two fumble recoveries in 15 starts, but he didn't have an interception for the first time since 2020.
2 days ago   
Trey McBride  • TE  •  Cardinals

Cardinals Hope To Re-Sign Trey McBride

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that the Arizona Cardinals hope to re-sign impending free-agent tight end Trey McBride this offseason. The tight end market has been in the $15-17 million per-year range for some time now, but McBride could change that this offseason after recording 192 catches the last two seasons. Although he inexplicably scored just two touchdowns during the 2024 season, McBride led the Cardinals across the board as a receiver and also set new career-highs in receptions (111), targets (147) and receiving yards (1,146) in 16 games played. His 1,146 receiving yards were second at the position, behind only rookie Brock Bowers. McBride was the TE3 in half-PPR scoring, behind Bowers and George Kittle. He will be highly coveted on the open market, but it sounds like Arizona will do everything in their power to retain him. McBride has upside for more in 2025 if he can find the end zone more.
Feb 9   
Will Hernandez  • G  •  Cardinals

Will Hernandez Wants To Return To Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals impending free-agent offensive guard Will Hernandez (knee) stated his intentions of wanting to re-sign with the team this offseason. "I'd love to stay, but at the end of the day, it's not up to me," Hernandez said. It remains to be seen if the Cardinals have mutual interest in bringing the 29-year-old offensive lineman back after playing in only five games in 2024 due to a knee injury that landed him on Injured Reserve. His market this offseason will depend on how he's recovering from knee surgery. Hernandez was originally a second-round pick (34th overall) in the 2018 NFL draft by the New York Giants out of Texas-El Paso. He spent the first four years of his NFL career in the Big Apple before playing each of the last three seasons with the Cardinals. In his three years in the desert, Hernandez has started all 35 games that he's appeared in.
Feb 6   
Khalil Mack  • OLB  •  Cardinals

Khalil Mack Considering Retirement

According to Ari Meirov of the 33rd Team, Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack is considering retirement. Mack is set to become a free agent at the end of the season and has been one of the top pass rushers over the past decade. Mack was drafted with the fifth overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. He spent four years with the Raiders before moving to Chicago, where he called home for the next four seasons. He then joined the Chargers, where he spent the past three seasons of his career. This season, the 33-year-old tallied 39 tackles and six sacks across 16 games. Overall, Mack has tallied 107.5 sacks and 630 tackles across his 11-season NFL career.
Jan 12   
Justin Bethel  • CB  •  Cardinals

Justin Bethel Announces Retirement

Three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Justin Bethel announced his retirement from professional football on Wednesday after spending 12 seasons in the NFL for the Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens. Bethel was originally selected in the sixth round by the Cardinals in 2012 out of Presbyterian. The first six years of his NFL came in the desert, where Bethel was named to all three of his Pro Bowls in a three-year span from 2013-15. The 34-year-old veteran didn't play a single game in 2024 and had only 19 tackles (15 solo), half a sack and one pass breakup in 17 games (one start) for the Dolphins in 2023. Bethel wraps up his 12-year NFL career with 282 total tackles (235 solo), half a sack, five interceptions (three returned for touchdowns), 25 pass breakups, five forced fumbles and eight fumble recoveries in 193 games (15 starts).
Jan 9   
Kyler Murray  • QB  •  Cardinals

"100 Percent" Chance That Kyler Murray Will Start For Cardinals In 2025

When asked if quarterback Kyler Murray would be the team's starter in 2025, Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said, "100 percent," on Burns And Gambo. "He's a top-level, franchise quarterback," Gannon said. Although he led the Cardinals to an 8-9 record and no playoff appearance, Murray did throw for 3,851 yards -- the second-highest total of his career -- 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 17 starts. His 572 rushing yards -- he added five touchdowns on the ground -- ranked fourth among all QBs in 2024. The 27-year-old isn't going anywhere heading into the second year of a five-year, $230.5 million extension that he signed in July of 2022. Arizona should keep most of their skill players on offense, but Murray will need to establish more chemistry with first-round wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. to take a step forward for the Cardinals and fantasy managers that make him their QB1.
Jan 6   
Greg Dortch  • WR  •  Cardinals

Greg Dortch Scores Two Touchdowns In Week 18

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch had his best performance of the season in the 47-24 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Dortch had an increased role in this game with wide receiver Michael Wilson (hamstring) out of the lineup. Dortch's official stat line was four catches for 47 yards and two touchdowns. Dortch wasn't as involved in the Cardinals' offense as some had expected this season; however, his performance at the end of the year proved he is still capable of making plays when given the opportunity. It will be interesting to see what Dortch's role will be with the Cardinals heading into next season.
Jan 6   
Marvin Harrison Jr.  • WR  •  Cardinals

Marvin Harrison Jr. Ends Season With Touchdown Reception

Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. ended the season on a high note, catching a 12-yard touchdown pass from Kyler Murray. Harrison Jr. was active in the 47-24 win over the San Francisco 49ers, catching five passes for 63 yards and one touchdown. Harrison Jr. joined Cardinals legends Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald in a tie for the most receiving touchdowns by a Cardinals rookie, with eight. Harrison Jr. entered the season with sky-high expectations, leading some to view his year as a disappointment. However, he built momentum with his last two performances of the season and will look to have a breakout year in his second season with the Cardinals.
Jan 6   
Trey McBride  • TE  •  Cardinals

Trey McBride Catches Seven Passes In Week 18

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride put an exclamation point on his Pro Bowl season, scoring a receiving touchdown in his second straight game during the win over the San Francisco 49ers. McBride's official stat line was seven catches for 65 yards and a touchdown. McBride is the clear leader of the Cardinals' passing game and had arguably the best season by a tight end in franchise history. He was one of the best positional advantages for fantasy managers all season and will be an early target in fantasy drafts next year.
Jan 6   
Michael Carter  • RB  •  Cardinals

Michael Carter Scores His First Touchdown Of The Season

Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter scored his first rushing touchdown of the season in the 47-24 win over the San Francisco 49ers. With running backs James Conner (knee) and Trey Benson (ankle) inactive for the season finale, Michael Carter stepped in as the starting running back and toted 17 carries for 43 yards. Carter was also active in the passing game, catching four passes for 16 yards. Carter showed some burst last season but struggled to get elevated off the practice squad in 2024. However, due to injuries at the top of the Cardinals' running back depth chart, Carter was elevated toward the end of the season and played with a lot of effort. The Cardinals' running game had another strong season in 2024, and Carter's contributions were a key part of that success.
Jan 6   
Kyler Murray  • QB  •  Cardinals

Kyler Murray Throws Season-High Four Touchdown Passes In Week 18

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray threw for a season-high four touchdown passes in the 47-24 win over the San Francisco 49ers in the regular season finale. Murray had perhaps his best outing of the season, finishing with 25 completions on 35 attempts for 242 yards and four touchdowns. He also added three carries for 22 yards on the ground, ending the season on a high note and building momentum going into next year. This is big for the Cardinals' offense and Murray as they look to continue improving under head coach Jonathan Gannon. Murray and the Cardinals' passing game should have confidence as they aim to break through and make the playoffs next season.
Jan 6   
Michael Wilson  • WR  •  Cardinals

Michael Wilson Inactive For Season Finale

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (hamstring) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the San Francisco 49ers. He had been listed as questionable. With Arizona eliminated from playoff contention, Wilson's season is officially over. He finishes the 2024 campaign with 47 catches, 548 yards, and four touchdowns. The second-year receiver currently ranks as the overall WR56 in PPR leagues, but he'll likely fall a few more spots once the remainder of Sunday's games go final. Fantasy managers should expect Greg Dortch to step up as the Cardinals' No. 2 wide receiver behind Marvin Harrison Jr.
Jan 5   
Greg Dortch  • WR  •  Cardinals

Greg Dortch Unlikely To Succeed In Week 18

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch has struggled to make a significant impact on the field throughout the season. Dortch has been mostly quiet outside of a 60-yard performance in Week 16. Since then, Dortch has four receptions for 37 yards over the last two games. Last week, Dortch hauled in three receptions, but it didn't add up to much yardage. He's currently the third wideout on the roster, but is probably the fourth passing option with tight end Trey McBride ahead of him. That being said, Dortch isn't a trustworthy option for the Week 18 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
Jan 5   
Trey McBride  • TE  •  Cardinals

Trey McBride Remains A Top Option For Season Finale

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride will look to remain dominant and highly productive during Sunday's Week 18 contest against the San Francisco 49ers. McBride has been the No. 3 tight end in fantasy football this season, posting career-bests in targets (136), catches (104), and yards (1,081). The lone downside of McBride's third NFL campaign has been his lack of touchdowns; he didn't find the end zone until last week's showing against the Los Angeles Rams in which he had 12 catches for 123 yards and the score. The 25-year-old has been Kyler Murray's favorite target within the Arizona offense, and that trend should continue during Sunday's regular-season finale. McBride benefits from a very favorable role on offense, as well as an appealing matchup against the 49ers, who surrendered six catches, 64 yards, and one touchdown to tight end Sam LaPorta last week. He remains a must-start player, ranking as a high-end TE1 once again.
Jan 4   
Michael Wilson  • WR  •  Cardinals

Michael Wilson Injures Hamstring, Questionable To Face 49ers

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (hamstring) was added to the injury report on Friday after being a limited participant in practice. He is officially listed as questionable to face the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in Week 18. It's hard to gather much information from the Cardinals' injury report given that "limited" could mean a few different things. Wilson could have simply taken a few reps off, but he also could have injured himself in the middle of Friday's session and sat out the rest of the practice. For the time being, he should be viewed as a true game-time decision, which means we might not get confirmation on his status until 2:55 p.m. ET on Sunday. If Wilson does play, he'll likely rank as a low-end WR3 in fantasy football. The 49ers have posted mixed results against pass-catchers in 2024, surrendering the eighth-fewest fantasy points to perimeter receivers but the seventh-most fantasy points to slot receivers. Wilson has played 31.7 percent of his snaps from the slot this season, which is the 27th-highest mark in the NFL. We like his chances to see a respectable target share against a 49ers defense that could rest some of its starters. However, if most of his production comes from the slot, there will be a cap on his touchdown upside.
Jan 4   
Marvin Harrison Jr.  • WR  •  Cardinals

Marvin Harrison Jr. Gets Tougher Matchup To Conclude Rookie Season

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.'s underwhelming rookie season will come to an end with Sunday's Week 18 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. The No. 4 pick has 57 catches for 822 yards and seven touchdowns over the course of 16 games, ranking 34th among wide receivers in fantasy points (PPR) this season. These numbers are solid enough to make him a weekly FLEX option, but managers would have expected a bit more production out of Harrison, who was widely viewed as a generational prospect. Unfortunately for him, the Cardinals, and his fantasy managers, Harrison's season could end on a sour note as he takes on a strong 49ers secondary. San Francisco has struggled against slot receivers this season, but they've allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to perimeter receivers in 2024. Harrison primarily plays on the perimeter, taking fewer than one-fifth of his snaps from the slot. As a result, he could have a lower floor in Week 18. Fantasy managers should continue to view him as a mid-to-high WR3 option in most leagues.
Jan 4   
Michael Carter  • RB  •  Cardinals

Michael Carter Headed For Lead Role Again In Week 18

Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter is expected to start in Week 18 against the San Francisco 49ers after James Conner (knee) and Trey Benson (ankle) were both placed on injured reserve. Conner had a minimal role last weekend due to injury, allowing Carter to handle an impressive 72 percent snap share. He thrived with the increased opportunities, rushing 13 times for 70 yards on the ground while adding two catches for another 11 yards through the air. He now has seven targets, seven catches, and 41 receiving yards over his last two contests. Not only is Carter's role favorable but so is his matchup. The 25-year-old is set to face off against the 49ers, who have allowed the 10th-most rushing yards, fourth-most rushing touchdowns, and seventh-most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2024. Carter ranks as a decent RB2 option heading into fantasy football for Week 18.
Jan 4   
Marvin Harrison Jr.  • WR  •  Cardinals

Marvin Harrison Jr. Is A Mid-Tier WR2 In Week 18

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is a mid-tier WR2 for Week 18 when the Cardinals host the San Francisco 49ers. Harrison Jr. is looking to end his rookie season on a high note after an inconsistent but still productive year. He entered the NFL with very high expectations, which are naturally hard to meet, yet he has still posted over 800 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Harrison Jr. is coming off perhaps one of his best performances, catching six passes for 96 yards against the Rams on Saturday night. Getting quarterback Kyler Murray and Harrison Jr. to build some momentum heading into the offseason will be something the Cardinals will look to do in their regular season finale. Expect Harrison Jr. to be involved early and often in the Cardinals' passing attack.
Jan 4   
Trey McBride  • TE  •  Cardinals

Trey McBride Is A Must-Start TE1 In Week 18

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride are a must-start TE1 when the Cardinals host the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18. McBride crossed two big milestones last week: breaking 1,000 yards and scoring his first receiving touchdown of the season. However, the game ended on a tough note, with the final pass bouncing off McBride's helmet, resulting in a Los Angeles Rams interception that officially ended the Cardinals' playoff hopes. McBride has had a sensational season and has provided fantasy managers with one of the biggest positional advantages in fantasy football. He is a no-doubt starter in what should be the final week of one of the best tight end seasons in Arizona Cardinals history.
Jan 4   
Kyler Murray  • QB  •  Cardinals

Kyler Murray Is A Low-End QB1 In Week 18

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is a low-end starting quarterback in Week 18 when the Cardinals host the San Francisco 49ers. Murray and the Cardinals will look to end their season on a high note after watching their playoff hopes dwindle post-bye week. Murray had a solid performance last week, topping 300 yards despite throwing two interceptions. A strong showing in this matchup will help build momentum for the Cardinals heading into next season. With nothing to play for in terms of playoff implications, we can expect the Cardinals to play more freely and open up the playbook to put an exclamation point on their season. Murray should still be viewed as a starter in Week 18.
Jan 4   
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