As the big part of free agency nears a close, we are beginning to see multiple news outlets make their power rankings. To say the Cardinals are in any favorable spot in any favorable spot in these rankings is a lie, as the majority of these outlets believe that 2026 will be a rough year for the NFC West bottom feeder.
Sure, the Cardinals made their fair share of splashes in free agency, addressing a plethora of needs on the offensive side of the ball. Signing Tyler Allgeier to a two-year contract and adding to a backfield that already has James Conner.
They also added Isaac Seumalo on a three-year deal to bolster the interior of the offensive line, which showed plenty of weakness this past season.
Arizona also addressed the wide receiver depth, adding former San Francisco 49ers pass catcher Kendrick Bourne, as well as Devin Duvernay. Both on cheap one-year deals.
Despite making these moves, the media still doesn’t think too highly of the 2026 Arizona Cardinals. Especially Saad Yousuf of The Athletic.
MORE: ESPN's Recent Mock Draft Contains Move Where Cardinals Could Follow The Same Approach
MORE: Cardinals Late-Round Target Is Stacking Up Well According To Scouting Report
MORE: CBS Sports Has Cardinals Going With Defensive Prospect Who Had One Big Issue At The Combine
“Unlike the Dolphins, it’s hard to see what the Cardinals’ plan is for the future, aside from just being bad. They don’t have any direction at quarterback, which isn’t the end of the world if the goal is to get your guy in the 2027 NFL Draft. They do have some talented players on offense, but it’s hard to see much winning on the horizon, especially playing in the toughest division in the league.” — Saad Yousuf
These are all fair points, and the Cardinals do play in one of, if not the toughest, divisions in the league. One that fielded three playoff teams, including the Super Bowl Champion.
Can Ossenfort’s new squad silence the haters? We can only wait and see.