Teams around the NFL recently received further clarity on where the 2025 salary cap is expected to land. This year’s increase will be higher than expected, giving those which were already on track to have plenty of space even more spending power. 
That list includes the Cardinals. Arizona is currently projected to hold the fifth-most space in the NFL with over $76MM available (h/t Over the Cap). As a result, Monti Ossenfort could be among the more active general managers in the league once the new league year begins in March. Veteran additions via the open market are clearly on the team’s radar.
“We are going to be active [in free agency],” Ossenfort said when speaking about the Cardinals’ offseason outlook (via the team’s website). “We’re going to look for every avenue to improve the team, but we have to be smart about not only this year’s team, but as we build for the future and our own players that we want to extend.”
Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon took on a rebuilding effort upon being hired in 2023. After improving from 4-13 during their first season at the helm to 8-9 in 2024, progress has been made in that process and the coming months will offer plenty of opportunities to take another step forward. Additions along the offensive line could be a priority, with the same being true along the edge and at the cornerback spot given the current makeup of Arizona’s roster.
Of course, in-house matters will be key this offseason as well. Working out an extension with Pro Bowl tight end Trey McBride is something the Cardinals were recently reported to be prioritizing; Ossenfort said work on that front will take place “as it comes up.” A McBride raise granted through a long-term deal will still leave plenty of resources to supplement the team’s draft additions of the past two years.
The NFC West was wide open throughout the 2024 campaign, and continued development on the part of the Cardinals could make at least a wild-card berth a realistic target for next season. Free agency will provide Ossenfort and Co. with the first opportunity to make a notable move, and it will be interesting to see if a lucrative addition is made soon.