The NFL offseason is the time for hope. It's the time for setting high expectations, dreaming big about what a team could accomplish in the upcoming year.
For the Arizona Cardinals, there is plenty of hope to go around these days. As we enter the third year of the Jonathan Gannon and Monti Ossenfort era, the team looks to be headed in the right direction. This offseason, the Cardinals' roster received a bigger influx of talent than it has in years.
This hope is rightfully placed. But if the gamble the Cardinals made this offseason doesn't pay off, all of that hope could quickly come crumbling down.
The Cardinals have risked it all by doing nothing to improve their offense
The Arizona Cardinals have been incredibly active this offseason, but only on one side of the ball. The defense has received a completely new front, new linebackers, and new defensive backs. You could almost build a completely fresh starting defensive lineup out of the additions the Cardinals made this year.
On the other hand, Arizona's offense received almost nothing this offseason. Outside of a new backup quarterback in Jacoby Brissett and a couple of backup offensive linemen, the offense looks the same as it did in 2024.
The Cardinals' front office is banking heavily on the idea that continuity will bring growth to the offense.
It's not a bad bet to make. Last season, this was a borderline top-ten offense. The unit ranked tenth in the NFL in EPA per play and sixth in offensive success rate, per SumerSports. The Cardinals have one of the best rushing attacks in the league and a handful of receiving weapons to complement it.
It's fair to project some improvements from the offense as well. After another offseason together, the connection between Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. should be improved. The duo struggled to find a rhythm last season, limiting Arizona's passing threat. With any amount of improvement from Harrison Jr., the offense should be better.
But regression is just as real of a possibility. Even with stars like Murray, Harrison Jr., Trey McBride, and James Conner, the Cardinals' offense is far from the most talented in the league. They are set to rely on unproven players like guard Isaiah Adams and receiver Greg Dortch to be real contributors.
It's fine to expect some level of growth from young players, but the Cardinals don't seem to have much of a backup plan if that growth doesn't come. This gamble could end up determining Arizona's fate this season.