TEMPE — The NFL season is winding down, but the Arizona Cardinals have a lot to think about in the offseason. Their tough loss to the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday added to their list of challenges. The injuries to Walter Nolen III and Garrett Williams are particularly worrying. Both will miss the rest of the season, which complicates things for the team as they look ahead to 2025.
Williams hurt his Achilles, while Nolen suffered a knee injury. Both were non-contact injuries, which often signal serious trouble. Nolen posted a heartfelt message on Instagram after his injury, hinting that his recovery could take time. With these two players out, the Cardinals now face uncertainty in key defensive positions.
The coaching staff has big decisions to make. They need to address not just the quarterback situation (especially if Kyler Murray is unavailable) and a struggling offensive line but also how to fill the gaps left by Nolen and Williams. Nolen showed a lot of promise as a rookie. With him sidelined, the defensive line looks less solid. Darius Robinson had a great recent game, yet he still needs to prove himself consistently. Meanwhile, veterans like Dalvin Tomlinson may be on the chopping block if the team needs to free up salary cap space.
The secondary looks grim without Williams, too. His versatility was crucial for the team, and other young players will need to step up quickly. The future of safety Jalen Thompson is also uncertain, as he may leave in free agency. If he does, it would create yet another empty spot in the defense.
General Manager Monti Ossenfort loves using draft picks, but will he take that route again for a defensive player after stacking his 2025 picks mostly on that side of the ball? The offense isn’t in much better shape. Injuries and poor performance have hurt their chances, especially in the offensive trenches. Drafting a top tackle could be a smart move.
What about the quarterback position? If the Cardinals decide to draft a rookie, they might have to trade up, which would mean giving away more draft picks. This year will require strong strategy, a little luck, and a few smart tweaks to build a competitive roster.
In recent seasons, Ossenfort’s luck hasn’t been great in free agency. For example, his top signing last year, Justin Jones, was released after just three games. The need for key players has never been more pressing, especially with Nolen and Williams out. The path ahead is more challenging than ever.
In a recent survey by NFL Network, 62% of fans expressed concerns about their team’s off-season management. It reflects the urgency of getting things right. The Cardinals will have to rely on their scouting, draft strategies, and maybe a bit of luck to navigate these tough waters.
As the offseason approaches, all eyes will be on how the team adapts, drafts, and builds for the future.
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