The Arizona Cardinals lost a franchise record 14 games this past season. Their head coach was fired. Their free agent list is pretty long.
Needless to say, there will be significant changes in 2026.
RELATED: LIST OF 2026 CARDINALS FREE AGENTS
There are plenty of names on the free agent list that GM Monti Ossenfort can re-sign before free agency begins and help this roster in 2026, such as S Jalen Thompson, WR Greg Dortch, K Chad Ryland, OT Jonah Williams, and DT Calais Campbell.
But sadly, there will
be players who are fan favorites who will not return. But in return, they will sign some new players who have been productive with other clubs and will come in and become new starters.
Life in the NFL continues.
The 2026 free agency period is right on top of us, which begins March 9. Name a position group, and most likely, the Browns need to add a player to it for either a starting role or as a key backup. And signing free agents is not an easy task.
This year in free agency, several guys could latch onto the Cardinals roster and become a valued starter or a key backup. These players aren’t necessarily mainstream names, but are in a position of need for Arizona, and aren’t going to break the bank.
RB Tyler Allgeier (5’-10”, 225 pounds)
Atlanta Falcons
Age: 25
2025 PFF: 71.5
If Bijan Robinson wasn’t the starting running back for Atlanta, Allgeier would be getting all the accolades. This is a very good back.
Whenever he enters the game for the Falcons, he looks really good and produces, especially in short yardage. And since Robinson gets the bulk of the carries, Allgeier is fresh. Put him in a starting role and watch him shine. He has played in 67 NFL games, so he has the experience.
Allgeier is a player who has 4.6 speed and is well-built. He is a solid player and a safe pickup.
What is the status of the Cardinals’ running back room? Will James Conner return? And if so, what version will Arizona be getting? And what is going on with Trey Benson? So, there is are a lot of questions that need to be answered, and if one or both backs don’t return, a guy like Allgeier can take the reins and get after it.
Allgeier used to play linebacker, so he is used to hitting and being physical. He rarely goes down on the first hit. He likes it rough and will lower his shoulder and then see what happens next. He is able to dodge tacklers and churns his legs forward. Fighting for that extra yard is one of his best traits.
Very talented receiver once he has the ball in his hands. Was paid $1.1 million in 2025 and should be looking at a new deal for two years at around $10 million. That would be an excellent return if he starts.
CB Alontae Taylor (6’-0”, 199 pounds)
New Orleans Saints
Age: 27
2025 PFF: 63.8
Taylor is a good tackler, but he will have his share of misses. He had just seven last year, but 20 the season before. But his coverage skills are excellent. He has versatility in that he can play inside or out and is a good blitzer. Taylor does work better in zone than in man.
His best football is ahead of him. He had 83 total tackles this past season, so he will go after the ballcarrier and isn’t shy from taking down a tight end. Four career picks and 52 career batted passes. Allowed six TD passes on him in 2025.
His 4.36 speed is his best friend because he is great at recovery. Good agility and balance. Big hitter in run support and is able to shadow his receiver. Is able to read the QB and get good breaks on passes. Taylor will close quickly using his speed and generate explosiveness.
He was paid just $3.65 million on his four-year rookie deal with the Saints, plus the option year. Expect Taylor to ink a three-year deal in the neighborhood of $33 million.
DE Boye Mafe (6’-4”, 261 pounds)
Seattle Seahawks
Age: 27
2025 PFF: 69.2
Highly athletic pass rusher who is explosive and high-energy. Elite burst off the line. The Seahawks are not happy about him leaving, but his rookie deal is up, and Seattle has had to make some tough financial decisions on players, and Mafe got caught up in a numbers game.
Very fast for a big man in a straight line. Violent hands and has good pursuit. Good flexibility in order to quickly turn and pursue laterally. His motor never shuts off. Is not a player who takes off snaps. He is truly a run-and-chase type defender.
His weak spot is against the run. He will get too upright off the snap instead of playing lower, but he is relentless and has very good power.
He is an exceptional pass rusher and won’t break the bank with a four-year contract for around $33 million.
