Way-too-early projection of Cardinals’ starting lineup in 2026

If there was ever a slow time for the NFL, we’re currently in it, with minicamps over and training camp about a month out.

So why not pass some of the time with a way-too-early roster projection?

A look at the starters for the defense, offense and special teams before things crank back up next month:

Way-too-early roster projection for Cardinals

STARTING DEFENSE

Outside linebacker — Josh Sweat

The Cardinals are reportedly not trading the pass rusher — even if ESPN’s Aaron Schatz thinks they should. If that remains the case, expect another double-digit season from Arizona’s main pass-rushing threat following 12 in 2025.

Defensive end — Walter Nolen III

Health is key here, but if Nolen gets back by the start of training camp and avoids any other issues, he’ll start Week 1.

When available, he’s a difference maker.

Nose tackle — Roy Lopez

Lopez started 21 games for the Cardinals in his two seasons with the franchise from 2023-24.

Embarking on his second stint with the team, he’s lined up to return to a starting role along the interior.

Defensive end — Darius Robinson

The 2024 first-rounder is in need of a productive Year 3 after registering a sack, four tackles for loss and two QB hits in 15 games (12 starts) last year.

Outside linebacker — Zaven Collins

A versatile option in Arizona’s outside linebackers room, Collins has started 25 of 34 games since making the move from inside linebacker to pass rusher.

Inside linebacker — Mack Wilson Sr.

One of the biggest pieces to Arizona’s defense, Wilson was sorely missed for most of last season due to injury.

Second-year pro Cody Simon is another name to watch as a potential starter in Arizona’s base formation.

Cornerback — Will Johnson

On his way to claiming the title of CB1, Johnson brings the right size and playmaking abilities to the position.

Cornerback — Denzel Burke

Paced the team in interceptions (three) and passes defensed (11) last year as a rookie. Max Melton is another name to watch, though Burke has the leg up heading into training camp.

Nickel — Sean Murphy-Bunting

This role could easily be Garrett Williams’ — if he makes it back from a torn Achilles in time for Week 1. Until he gets that green light, though, it’s Murphy-Bunting’s job to lose.

Back in a familiar territory, Murphy-Bunting is looking for a bounce-back season after missing all of last year due to a torn ACL suffered in the offseason.

Safety — Budda Baker

Arizona’s heat-seeking missile is back for Year 10.

Safety — Dadrion “Rabbit” Taylor-Demerson

Jalen Thompson’s departure to Dallas opens up the door for Rabbit to step through as Baker’s primary running mate in the secondary.

Newcomer Andrew Wingard is a name to watch, but Rabbit has the inside track at landing the role.

STARTING OFFENSE

Quarterback — Jacoby Brissett

Brissett entered the offseason as the expected Week 1 starter. Even with his ongoing contract talks with the team, that should still be the case.

From there, though, all bets are off.

Not only do the Cardinals have another veteran option to consider in Gardner Minshew II, who took mostly first-team reps during offseason work, rookie Carson Beck also needs to see the field in 2026.

Running back — Jeremiyah Love

While Tyler Allgeier is bound to get his fair share of snaps, this is Love’s backfield now.

Wide receiver (X) — Marvin Harrison Jr.

Needs a big Year 3 after falling short of expectations across his first two NFL seasons.

Wide receiver (Y) — Kendrick Bourne

Gives Arizona plenty of size and speed out of the slot.

The starting lineup is bound to see plenty of tight end Tip Reiman, too (once fully healthy). So while Bourne gets the spot for now, expect these two names to be pretty interchangeable in the lineup.

Wide receiver (Z) — Michael Wilson

Viewed by many as Arizona’s WR1 after a breakout 1,000-yard season.

Tight end — Trey McBride

Went nuclear in 2025 — with some help from Brissett — and now has an offensive-minded head coach running the show.

Left tackle — Paris Johnson Jr.

Continues to be one of general manager Monti Ossenfort’s only draft bright spots.

Left guard — Isaac Seumalo

An every-game mauler if he can stay healthy.

Center — Hjalte Froholdt

Nothing crazy here. Froholdt continues to be a consistent presence in the trenches.

Right guard — Isaiah Adams

Adams found his way into the starting lineup as a second-year pro.

He is the frontrunner to start Week 1, though rookie Chase Bisontis could challenge him sooner rather than later for the role.

Right tackle — Elijah Wilkinson

Wilkinson was the starting right tackle throughout the open portion of organized team activities and minicamp this offseason.

Josh Fryar is another name to watch.

STARTING SPECIALISTS

Kicker — Chad Ryland

Ryland won the job this offseason over Joshua Karty.

Punter — Blake Gillikin

Gillikin is back after an injury-filled 2025.

Kick returner — Devin Duvernay

Duvernay figures to be the primary return option for Arizona this year.

Kick returner — Bam Knight

Knight saw the second-most kick returns behind only Greg Dortch last year. And with a crowded running backs room, he could be utilized more on special teams. Defensive backs Max Melton and Kitan Crawford are other names to watch here.

Punt returner — Devin Duvernay

Long snapper — Casey Kreiter

Kreiter is among the new faces for the unit, having played for the New York Giants the past six seasons.

He takes over for longtime long snapper Aaron Brewer.

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