The Arizona Cardinals have a number of things happening outside of just the basic days of training camp.
The first thing that is happening is open training camp practice today from 4:00-5:45 p.m. and Sunday from 1:45-3p.m.
While it is free, you must have a ticket which can be picked up on the website.
The other thing that is happening, or not happening for some players, is that they are practicing.
While Jacoby Brissett showed up and was relegated to light work due to offseason inactivity with the team,
and Michael Wilson was there and doing everything, Paris Johnson Jr. was placed on the PUP list, with a minor knee issue.
This is all of course speculation, but it seemed very convenient on the timing for PJJ to show up and not being able to practice.
Kyle Odegard, the former Arizona Cardinals beat writer (and employee of the Cardinals) talked about those three, because to be fair no one has any idea what is happening with Josh Sweat, and his take was the first time I have seen him praise Monti Ossenfort.
The Arizona Cardinals’ general manager is 15-36 in his three seasons at the helm, and his team is projected to be the worst in the NFL in Year 4.
Based on a juggernaut early-season schedule, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Ossenfort gets canned before Halloween. And I’d be shocked if he is retained for a fifth year.
All that being said, he’s done a good job in contract negotiations this offseason…
From Odegard on Brissett:
While coach Mike LaFleur said negotiations are ongoing with Brissett, the Cardinals spoke loudly by slotting in Minshew with the first-team at the start of the drills.
The message: We may give you a few bucks, Jacoby, but nothing close to what you want.
The Cardinals are not winning many games with or without Brissett this season, so it’s the smart play. Brissett has no leverage, and Ossenfort must stand his ground even if the noise grows louder.
That is just it. While people have said they need to give Brissett a raise since he is the starter, the reality is they don’t. The team looked everywhere for a replacement, then drafted Carson Beck, and only then begrudgingly made it seem like Brissett may be the starter. But here is the reality. Brissett would have to start at least six games, keep them all competitive, and actually win some of them to hold off any changes. If the Cardinals are 1-5 or worse, even if they are “competitive” in some games like last year, the calls will grow louder for a change at quarterback. So, why pay “starter money” for that? If they want to give Brissett a bump up to the $8-10 million range, then do it, but there is no reason to go to his “$15 million will get it done” when you are talking about a guy who may start eight games this year.
Odegard on Michael Wilson:
But there was more than meets the eye there, as Wilson put up incredible numbers down the stretch when Marvin Harrison Jr. was injured and the Cardinals became extremely pass-happy. When Trey McBride and Harrison, Jr. were both healthy, Wilson was the quieter third option.
Wilson seems like a great person and a good receiver, but he doesn’t have the same quick-twitch movements of an unquestioned star.
If Ossenfort agreed to an extension, it would have been a buy-high scenario, so he was smart to wait to see if Wilson can duplicate those results in 2026.
This is an interesting one. Both sides seem like they want to get something done, but neither side wants to do it right now. Wilson’s side of things is he could produce another 1,000+ yard season and break the bank. The Cardinals side is, why pay for this receiver now? Not saying they won’t extend Wilson, but if Marv breaks out, and Wilson is the sidekick, then why are you paying him? You know the offense will run through WR1, Trey McBride and eventually Jeremiyah Love. You have time, no need to hurry to extend Wilson.
Odegard on Paris:
If Ossenfort does dole one out, this is the easy call. Johnson has top-10 draft pick pedigree, is durable and has a high ceiling. He also plays a premium position that needs to be locked down for whenever the Cardinals do find a franchise quarterback.
But Johnson hasn’t quite reached Pro Bowl level performance yet, and with a fifth-year option available, the Cardinals do have time to wait this out and make sure he elevates to a star.
My singular quibble is that Paris has not been durable. Everything else is accurate, especially the last piece, he has not hit the ceiling that he needs to and having the fifth year option is the right way to approach this. While Paris has played in 43 career games, his only full season was his rookie season, and he has gotten hurt trying to hold up at the more premiere left tackle position. While expecting anyone, let alone an offensive lineman to play 17 games a year is a lot to ask, I like to look at 15 games as full seasons. PJJ has one of those as well, hitting 14 his second year and a career low 12 last year. Take the time, make sure he can give you the 15+ games this year at a consistently high level, then make him one of, if not the highest paid tackles in the NFL.
What are your thoughts?
