2026 Arizona Off Season Thread

Garthshort

ASFN Icon
Joined
Aug 11, 2002
Posts
10,086
Reaction score
6,842
Location
Scarsdale, NY
I guess it depends on what you are looking for? What do you want them to tell you? That a bad team last year got worse in terms of talent and QB play but will be better? That players who were disappointments last year will miraculously be better without any indication that they will? This franchise has earned every pessimistic narrative it is receiving. Why do you feel that equates to them being unreasonably pessismistic?
I've lived in NY my entire life except while I was in the Army and I know/remember how the media hyped the NY Mets, "This is the year we turn it around ....". With these guys, "Now, don't forget to hit the Like/Subscribe button". Another thing that drives me crazy, Now let's not jump the gun (and you know what follows). I would think that more people would listen if they offered a speck of hope. But, maybe they don't want to jump the gun.
 

MadCardDisease

Moderator
Moderator
Supporting Member
Joined
May 13, 2002
Posts
22,401
Reaction score
19,252
Location
Chandler, Az
I've lived in NY my entire life except while I was in the Army and I know/remember how the media hyped the NY Mets, "This is the year we turn it around ....". With these guys, "Now, don't forget to hit the Like/Subscribe button". Another thing that drives me crazy, Now let's not jump the gun (and you know what follows). I would think that more people would listen if they offered a speck of hope. But, maybe they don't want to jump the gun.
They are podcasters, not real journalist. Without likes and subscribes they are just random dudes like you or me posting about the Cardinals. Most of their social media posts are just reposts referencing other real journalist's reportings.

They do have credentials that gives them access to Cardinals practices and stuff. However most of their posts from the access they get are just useless stuff like a random player running a route or a guy hitting a bag in practice. Nothing of substance.
 

kerouac9

Klowned by Keim
Joined
Feb 14, 2003
Posts
44,350
Reaction score
42,880
Location
Gilbert, AZ
I guess it depends on what you are looking for? What do you want them to tell you? That a bad team last year got worse in terms of talent and QB play but will be better? That players who were disappointments last year will miraculously be better without any indication that they will? This franchise has earned every pessimistic narrative it is receiving. Why do you feel that equates to them being unreasonably pessismistic?
If you want sunshine and roses and best-case scenarios only, you can stream state media on 98.7.
 

ASUCHRIS

ONE HEART BEAT!!!
Joined
Sep 2, 2002
Posts
21,117
Reaction score
23,055
Jeffrey Simmons is a great DT. The Titans are horrible. You are arguing that he has no impact on winning.
Garrett Wilson. Jets.
Myles Garrett. Browns.
Larry Fitzgerald FOR YEARS with the Cardinals.
Maxx Crosby.
Breece Hall.
Will McDonald.
Denzel Ward.
Darnell docket spent more years on a bad team than a good one.
Anquan Boldin was putting up 1000 yard seasons in almost every one of his first 4 seasons but the Cardinals never were above .500. But he wasn't a winning player.
Yes - bad teams can have good players. I don't see anywhere where I argued differently. My position was specific to the Cardinals situation, where you can very clearly see that Budda has had little impact on us winning over the last 4 seasons. We're going to be bad for at least the next 2-3 seasons, so I don't see much point in keeping him around if you can get something for him.
Your argument that NFL players are worth paying or not worth paying based on the outcomes of the prior season seems really ignorant.
That's not my argument - you're generalizing my position to the point of irrelevance. My argument is that in certain situations, it makes sense for teams to sell high on players that aren't likely to be a part of the next successful Cardinals team.

I'd also say if a player doesn't necessarily fit the timeline and doesn't want to be here (Sweat), I'd be more inclined to let them go as well.
And what timetable are you talking about? The NFL is based on parity. If having a crappy roster and losing games was a catalyst to long term success, the Cardinals would have run into that by now because it is exactly what it has done over the majority of the franchise's history.
I've been pretty clear throughout my time here that this team is in desperate need of above average players to have any hopes of contending. At this point, we have like 2-3 of those players total in a division loaded with talent, so we're so far behind the other teams that I don't see us catching up anytime soon.

It's also why I thought Monti should have been gone a long time ago - he's shown no aptitude for acquiring above average players.
In terms of Budda's trade value, I am interested in why you think he is worth a 2nd round pick.
There has been plenty of speculation to that effect, or a 3rd.
I am also curious why you think Budda and Sweat have exceeding contract demands?
I don't think they do.
The Cardinals are sitting on 33 mil in cap space and don't have any players they seem interested in paying long term. This team is not struggling to retain good players because they have a surplus of good players. The roster is so bad that fans complain that they didn't add more talent in free agency and that the young players they have, haven't earned big contracts.
You had plenty of people who were happy to jettison Zach Allen. I wasn't one of those people.
This team is so far from the challenges of operating as a good franchise that it's not worth really discussing.
Yeah, often it feels like any action is a waste of time, because of how far we are behind the 8 ball in terms of roster talent/execution/front office and ownership issues.

I can't think of a time I've been more pessimistic about the future of Cardinals football, and that's saying something.
 

Cardiac

ASFN Icon
Joined
Jul 21, 2002
Posts
12,469
Reaction score
4,183
I've lived in NY my entire life except while I was in the Army and I know/remember how the media hyped the NY Mets, "This is the year we turn it around ....". With these guys, "Now, don't forget to hit the Like/Subscribe button". Another thing that drives me crazy, Now let's not jump the gun (and you know what follows). I would think that more people would listen if they offered a speck of hope. But, maybe they don't want to jump the gun.
I actually feel that they are far more positive about the Cards then the team deserves. Sure they rightly blast them for the Brissett fiasco but otherwise say the team will win at least 6 to 7 games which is far more than the national media and most posters here.
 

Chopper0080

2021 - Prove It
Joined
May 15, 2002
Posts
33,536
Reaction score
56,729
Location
Colorado
I've lived in NY my entire life except while I was in the Army and I know/remember how the media hyped the NY Mets, "This is the year we turn it around ....". With these guys, "Now, don't forget to hit the Like/Subscribe button". Another thing that drives me crazy, Now let's not jump the gun (and you know what follows). I would think that more people would listen if they offered a speck of hope. But, maybe they don't want to jump the gun.
That's fair...my response was a little dramatic.
 

Chopper0080

2021 - Prove It
Joined
May 15, 2002
Posts
33,536
Reaction score
56,729
Location
Colorado
Yes - bad teams can have good players. I don't see anywhere where I argued differently. My position was specific to the Cardinals situation, where you can very clearly see that Budda has had little impact on us winning over the last 4 seasons. We're going to be bad for at least the next 2-3 seasons, so I don't see much point in keeping him around if you can get something for him.

That's not my argument - you're generalizing my position to the point of irrelevance. My argument is that in certain situations, it makes sense for teams to sell high on players that aren't likely to be a part of the next successful Cardinals team.

I'd also say if a player doesn't necessarily fit the timeline and doesn't want to be here (Sweat), I'd be more inclined to let them go as well.

I've been pretty clear throughout my time here that this team is in desperate need of above average players to have any hopes of contending. At this point, we have like 2-3 of those players total in a division loaded with talent, so we're so far behind the other teams that I don't see us catching up anytime soon.

It's also why I thought Monti should have been gone a long time ago - he's shown no aptitude for acquiring above average players.

There has been plenty of speculation to that effect, or a 3rd.

I don't think they do.

You had plenty of people who were happy to jettison Zach Allen. I wasn't one of those people.

Yeah, often it feels like any action is a waste of time, because of how far we are behind the 8 ball in terms of roster talent/execution/front office and ownership issues.

I can't think of a time I've been more pessimistic about the future of Cardinals football, and that's saying something.
There is no reason this team should take 2 or 3 years to be a playoff contender. Maybe this is the crux of our differing viewpoints.
 

ASUCHRIS

ONE HEART BEAT!!!
Joined
Sep 2, 2002
Posts
21,117
Reaction score
23,055
There is no reason this team should take 2 or 3 years to be a playoff contender. Maybe this is the crux of our differing viewpoints.
You must think we're much further along with our talent/coaching staff/FO than I do.

Our front office is a joke - the fact that Monti still has a job after the last 3 years is an indictment of our ambition. He's also (presumably) on the hot seat if we have another season like 2 of his first 3. There is no continuity or long term stability in the FO.

From a coaching perspective, we have a total novice in LaFleur. Could he be a great coach? Maybe? But he's a total unknown. That's far better than our DC, who was inexplicably retained after some godawful years.

We have zero answers at QB, the most important position in professional sports. Even if we use a high pick in 27 on a QB, the odds of them being an immediate difference maker seem slim.

We are totally lacking in above average starters, especially compared to the rest of our division. Our defense was one of the worst in the NFL last year, and we've done almost nothing to improve it. We lost Thompson, who was one of our best defenders.

What machinations could you come up with to get this current group in the playoffs in the next 2-3 years, especially considering the difficulty in our own division? I think we're far closer to starting over again vs. making the playoffs.
 

Chopper0080

2021 - Prove It
Joined
May 15, 2002
Posts
33,536
Reaction score
56,729
Location
Colorado
You must think we're much further along with our talent/coaching staff/FO than I do.

Our front office is a joke - the fact that Monti still has a job after the last 3 years is an indictment of our ambition. He's also (presumably) on the hot seat if we have another season like 2 of his first 3. There is no continuity or long term stability in the FO.

From a coaching perspective, we have a total novice in LaFleur. Could he be a great coach? Maybe? But he's a total unknown. That's far better than our DC, who was inexplicably retained after some godawful years.

We have zero answers at QB, the most important position in professional sports. Even if we use a high pick in 27 on a QB, the odds of them being an immediate difference maker seem slim.

We are totally lacking in above average starters, especially compared to the rest of our division. Our defense was one of the worst in the NFL last year, and we've done almost nothing to improve it. We lost Thompson, who was one of our best defenders.

What machinations could you come up with to get this current group in the playoffs in the next 2-3 years, especially considering the difficulty in our own division? I think we're far closer to starting over again vs. making the playoffs.
Until I see this team go through another 4 or 5 win season and keep Monti, I think he gets fired and I don't think they could do much worse.
 

BullheadCardFan

Go for it
Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 5, 2005
Posts
70,869
Reaction score
42,124
Location
Bullhead City, AZ

During a game last season, Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek was taken off the field on a stretcher after a collision while blocking on a kickoff. That proved to be the last play of his career.

Vokolek wrote on social media that he is retiring on doctors’ advice because of the seriousness of the neck injury he suffered on that play.
 

BullheadCardFan

Go for it
Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 5, 2005
Posts
70,869
Reaction score
42,124
Location
Bullhead City, AZ
Ranking NFL teams by under-25 talent

19. Arizona Cardinals

Last year's rank: 19

Blue chips: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., RB Jeremiyah Love

Notable graduated players: OT Paris Johnson Jr., CB Garrett Williams

Arizona's young talent is headlined by Harrison (23), who has registered 1,493 receiving yards in two NFL seasons. He is accompanied by rookie first-rounder Love, who turned 21 at the end of May. Running back Trey Benson is still here behind Love at age 24, while the Cardinals' secondary tight end, Tip Reiman, is also 24. Rookie quarterback Carson Beck will turn 24 in November. Chase Bisontis, the rookie second-rounder who might start at right guard, is 2

The youth on defense starts along the line with 24-year-old Darius Robinson and 22-year-old Walter Nolen III. Edge rusher BJ Ojulari, who has battled injuries for two seasons, is still only 24 years old. Outside linebacker Cody Simon, who started nine games last season, is also 24. The likely starting cornerbacks, Will Johnson and Denzel Burke, are both 23.

 

Chopper0080

2021 - Prove It
Joined
May 15, 2002
Posts
33,536
Reaction score
56,729
Location
Colorado
Ranking NFL teams by under-25 talent

19. Arizona Cardinals

Last year's rank: 19

Blue chips: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., RB Jeremiyah Love

Notable graduated players: OT Paris Johnson Jr., CB Garrett Williams

Arizona's young talent is headlined by Harrison (23), who has registered 1,493 receiving yards in two NFL seasons. He is accompanied by rookie first-rounder Love, who turned 21 at the end of May. Running back Trey Benson is still here behind Love at age 24, while the Cardinals' secondary tight end, Tip Reiman, is also 24. Rookie quarterback Carson Beck will turn 24 in November. Chase Bisontis, the rookie second-rounder who might start at right guard, is 2

The youth on defense starts along the line with 24-year-old Darius Robinson and 22-year-old Walter Nolen III. Edge rusher BJ Ojulari, who has battled injuries for two seasons, is still only 24 years old. Outside linebacker Cody Simon, who started nine games last season, is also 24. The likely starting cornerbacks, Will Johnson and Denzel Burke, are both 23.

Another tough indictment on LOssenfort's incompetence in executing his own plan to build through the draft.
 

oaken1

Stone Cold
Banned from P+R
Joined
Mar 13, 2004
Posts
24,353
Reaction score
25,104
Location
Modesto, California

During a game last season, Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek was taken off the field on a stretcher after a collision while blocking on a kickoff. That proved to be the last play of his career.

Vokolek wrote on social media that he is retiring on doctors’ advice because of the seriousness of the neck injury he suffered on that play.
good for him...That is a hard decision to make and he chose well
 
Top