Cardinals’ general manager was blessed with the fact that there weren’t many pending free agents that he desperately needed to throw a new contract at, as everyone from 2025 who was set to hit the open market wasn’t exactly vital to the team’s success.
You can say that for everyone except for one player, who opted to depart Arizona after spending the first seven seasons of his career with the Cardinals.
The Cardinals lost out on safety Jalen Thompson, who signed a three-year, $33 million deal with the Dallas Cowboys on the first day of the legal tampering period.
MORE: Cardinals Make Splash By Adding Running Back Who Sat Behind One Of The League’s Best
MORE: The Wide Receiver Depth In Arizona Looks Much Better After Recent Signing
MORE: Cardinals May Brace For QB Competition After Shocking Day One Signing
A tackling machine from the safety position, Thompson racked up 95 tackles in 2025 and 578 in his career. He provided the perfect presence alongside perennial Pro Bowler, Budda Baker.
The Cardinals' secondary had a huge injury problem in 2025, with Max Melton, Will Johnson, Jalen Thompson, and Budda Baker all missing time.
The Cardinals suddenly have another need to address, as a vacant safety position now reveals a massive weakness on the roster.
Luckily for Ossenfort, there are plenty of options remianining in free agency. Three former Chicago Bears in Ja’Quan Brisker, Kevin Byard II, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson are some to name. Not to mention Justin Simmons and Kyle Dugger also remain available.
The Cardinals also hold the No. 3 overall pick, which could definitely be used on Ohio State safety, Caleb Downs.
It hurts to see Thompson go, but we can’t act like there aren’t alternatives out there to fill in his shoes.
Let’s see how Ossenfort responds.