Barnwell: Cardinals playmakers rank in top 10 with potential for more

The Arizona Cardinals offense is littered with playmakers following an offseason that saw Jeremiyah Love, Tyler Allgeier and Kendrick Bourne join a core of Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson.

The additions only improved Arizona’s standing in ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell’s annual playmaker ranking released Thursday.

After landing 15th last year, Arizona jumped to sixth. And there’s a world where that number improves even more this time next year, writes Barnwell.

There’s a scenario in which Love and Harrison live up to expectations, Wilson is able to sustain the sort of form he showed without Harrison on the field all season and the Cardinals have a legitimate case for No. 1 in these rankings next year. But it also feels like the only true sure thing they have is McBride.

One of the biggest questions for Arizona’s offense this year centers on what Harrison’s production will look like after a Year 2 that was filled with injuries and inconsistency.

And although getting back to 100% physically was still an ongoing process for the wideout during organized team activities, the wide receiver doesn’t believe any issues will linger into the regular season.

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He’ll now get a chance to bounce back in 2026 armed with offensive-minded head coach Mike LaFleur, who has worked closely with wide receivers during his time in the NFL.

But the bigger question is: Who is going to get Arizona’s playmakers the rock?

The expectation is for veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett to lead the offense in Week 1, yet he remains in a contract dispute with Arizona. Brissett was a huge reason for Wilson and McBride’s successes last year.

Gardner Minshew II, meanwhile, has gotten most of his work in with the starting offense, including all of Arizona’s top playmakers.

There’s also rookie Carson Beck, who is expected to find his way into the starting lineup at some point in the season.

Where does the rest of the NFC West rank?

The Los Angeles Rams led the division at No. 2 behind only the Detroit Lions.

The San Francisco 49ers landed one spot ahead of the Cardinals at No. 5.

The Seattle Seahawks brought up the rear at No. 11.

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