PFF: Calais Campbell is the top-ranked Cardinals free agent this offseason

Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell didn’t let up one bit in his return to the desert this past season.

And while retirement could be on the table, Pro Football Focus’ top 250 free agents ranking has Campbell at No. 29.

Retirement seems to be afraid of Campbell, who has yet to show signs of slowing down through 18 NFL seasons. He has logged 30-plus quarterback pressures in all but two of those years, and his 2025 PFF overall grade of 72.2 made it 15 straight years of topping 70.0.

In Year 18, he served as one of the only bright spots in a disappointing Cardinals season.

Across 17 starts, Campbell registered 6.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, 16 QB hits and two passes defensed. He also blocked a field goal and extra point.

If Campbell decides to suit it up once more — he’s yet to make his decision to the public — a similar performance is expected.

Jalen Thompson among top 100 free agents

The only other Cardinals free agent to crack the top 100 in PFF’s ranking was safety Jalen Thompson.

His missed tackle rate of 6.3% ranks fifth among safeties with 100 or more tackles over the past two seasons. He also took a step forward in coverage in 2025, allowing a passer rating of 98.4 when targeted while breaking up five passes. The 27-year-old has never finished a season below a 64.0 overall PFF grade and could strengthen a wide range of secondaries.

Thompson has started 87 of 99 games played for the Cardinals since joining the team as a supplemental NFL Draft pick in 2019.

He’s coming off a 95-tackle season that included six passes defensed and a forced fumble.

Honorable mentions

Outside PFF’s top 100 free agents were offensive tackle Jonah Williams (No. 151) and running back Michael Carter (No. 186).

Carter worked his way from practice squad option to starter given the injuries to inside Arizona’s running backs room.

He finished the season as the Cardinals’ leading rusher behind 333 yards and a touchdown on 92 carries. He also caught 33 balls (45 targets) for 267 yards.

Williams turned in a disappointing second season with Arizona, with injury and poor play summing up the year for the veteran. He made 15 starts in his two seasons with the Cardinals.

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