Arizona Cardinals Earn D‑Minus Grade in Offseason Review

Arizona Cardinals were handed a D‑minus by NFL.com’s Matt Okada, marking the lowest offseason grade among the 32 clubs and underscoring concerns about their roster moves.

Why did the Cardinals receive a D‑minus?

Okada’s rating hinges on the decision to draft running back Bijan Love despite a 3‑14 record that left the team 16th in the NFC and on a nine‑game losing streak. The analyst argues that a back‑to‑back 3‑14 season doesn’t merit a high‑impact RB, citing Saquon Barkley’s limited effect on the Giants’ division titles. The pick, while talented, is seen as low‑value for a franchise needing immediate wins.

How did quarterback moves affect the grade?

Arizona released Kyler Murray and offered no clear upgrade at quarterback. The roster now lists journeymen Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew, plus rookie Carson Beck, a third‑round selection. None of these names promise the stability the Cardinals lack, especially with Murray’s contract dispute lingering. The lack of a proven starter left Okada unimpressed.

What about the defensive roster?

The Cardinals added offensive guard Jordan Seumalo in free agency, but the defense saw little improvement. Okada notes the absence of a true edge rusher, despite the availability of Arvell Reese in the draft. The team’s pass rush remains its weakest link, and without a sack‑producer the defense struggles to pressure opposing QBs.

Which draft picks could still help?

Late‑round selections Chase Bison (OT, 34th overall) and Kaleb Proctor (DT, 104th overall) might develop into valuable depth pieces. Their modest cost could pay off if coaching staff nurtures them, but the path to wins remains uncertain. The Cardinals must translate these picks into on‑field production before the next matchup.

What’s next for the Cardinals?

The team heads into its next game against the Los Angeles Chargers on September 13, 2026, still searching for a spark. With a 3‑14 record and a nine‑game skid, the Cardinals need a breakthrough on both sides of the ball to avoid another dismal season. The offseason grade reflects a roster in flux, and fans will be watching closely to see if any of the new faces can change the narrative.

Listen to Cards Wire’s Jess Root on the Rise Up, See Red podcast for deeper analysis of the Cardinals’ offseason moves.