The Arizona Cardinals have finalized their 53-man roster following the 2026 NFL draft, with general manager Monti Ossenfort indicating limited changes ahead. The roster is expected to remain stable as the season approaches.
Key points
Arizona Cardinals finalized their 53-man roster after the 2026 NFL draft
General manager Monti Ossenfort indicated limited roster changes ahead
Jeremiyah Love was the Cardinals' first-round draft pick
The roster is expected to remain stable as the season approaches
News conference for Love was held on April 24, 2026
Arizona CardinalsJeremiyah Love
When asked to assess his own roster, Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort demurred. He pointed to the remaining roster-building periods, with a trickle of free agent signings still possible before Week 1.
But after the NFL draft, the vast majority of Ossenfortās work is done. The Cardinals roster today will largely be the roster that takes the field this season.
Here, then, is a full projection of the 53-man roster.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
Cardinals take running back in 1st round of NFL draft:What's the grade?
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
Q&A
What is the Arizona Cardinals' 53-man roster projection for 2026?
The Arizona Cardinals' 53-man roster projection includes key players finalized after the 2026 NFL draft.
Who was the Cardinals' first-round draft pick in 2026?
The Cardinals' first-round draft pick in 2026 was running back Jeremiyah Love.
What did general manager Monti Ossenfort say about the roster after the draft?
Monti Ossenfort noted that most of his roster-building work is done and that the current roster will largely remain for the upcoming season.
When was the news conference introducing Jeremiyah Love held?
The news conference introducing Jeremiyah Love took place on April 24, 2026.
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The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a press conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Mike LaFleur (right) introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ poses with his parents L'TyonaĀ andĀ Jason Love during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Mike LaFleur (right) introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a press conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
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Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
Cardinals take running back in 1st round of NFL draft:What's the grade?
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Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
Cardinals take running back in 1st round of NFL draft:What's the grade?
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Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
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Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
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Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
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Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a press conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
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Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Mike LaFleur (right) introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
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Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
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Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
Arizona Cardinals first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ poses with his parents L'TyonaĀ andĀ Jason Love during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
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Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
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Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
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Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Mike LaFleur (right) introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
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Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
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Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a press conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
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Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
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Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
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Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
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Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
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Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
When we last did this exercise ā after free agency ā it was a struggle to conjure names for the final few roster spots. This time around, the process centered more on trimming players. The Cardinals, despite their flaws, will have difficult decisions to make in August, barring significant injuries.
That is the goal, of course. But it remains true: The roster is in a much healthier place now than it was a month ago, despite a bold draft strategy that focused on luxury picks.
After drafting Beck in the third round, the Cardinals seem set to roster three quarterbacks. The complication would be if they move on from Brissett, who is currently missing voluntary workouts as he seeks a pay raise. But Brissett also likely has the inside track to a starting job, so the Cardinals are incentivized to find a solution ā and they have plenty of time to do so.
The task for first-year Cards head coach Mike LaFleur will be finding enough developmental reps for Beck. LaFleur comes from a Los Angeles Rams organization that rarely offers practice snaps to the backup quarterback. He will likely need a different approach in Arizona.
At no position have the Cardinals expended more resources this offseason than running back, where they drafted Love third overall, signed Allgeier and reworked Connerās contract. Suddenly, Benson ā a 2024 third-round pick ā is not assured of a roster spot. He missed most of last season with a knee injury but has been inconsistent when on the field and could be a surprise cut candidate if the Cardinals opt to keep just three running backs.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pick running back Jeremiyah Love during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
After the primary free agency period, the Cardinals were remarkably thin at wide receiver. Now, they should have a healthy competition in that room. Duvernay has the inside track to a roster spot as a return specialist, and Virgil should have a chance to prove his deep-threat capabilities as a fifth-round pick. If the Cardinals opt to keep six receivers, they have plenty of options, namely, Simi Fehoko, Xavier Weaver and Jalen Brooks.
The Cardinals left their tight end room untouched this offseason, and for good reason. McBride is their most important player, Higgins is a valuable receiving threat and Reiman is a crucial part of the run game due to his blocking capabilities. These three will all make the roster, while a fourth tight end would be a major surprise.
Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) warms up during a preseason game at State Farm Stadium on Aug. 9, 2025, in Glendale.
Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) warms up during a preseason game at State Farm Stadium on Aug. 9, 2025, in Glendale.
Right tackle remains one of the Cardinalsā biggest question marks after the draft. Wilkinson is the favorite for the starting job, but he has spent most of his career as a backup at multiple offensive line spots. Entrusting him with the starting job from Day 1 is a risk.
Further down the depth chart, though, there should be a healthy competition for spots. Fryar, Jones and 2025 undrafted free agent Demontrey Jacobs have all shown some encouraging signs in their rare opportunities for playing time. And now, seventh-round pick Jayden Williams is in the mix as well.
The Cardinals have made it a priority to fortify their interior this offseason, making Seumalo their highest-paid free agent and drafting Bisontis in the second round. That should enable Adams and Gaines to compete for backup roles, rather than having to start. Neither has consistently proved that they are ready for the responsibility. Free agent signing Matt Pryor and 2025 sixth-round pick Hayden Conner could also push for roster spots.
The interior defensive line still lacks proven high-end players beyond Nolen, but after extensive work this offseason, the Cardinals are now deep at the position. There is also a healthy diversity of skill sets here. Robinson is more of a defensive end, and Lopez is a nose tackle. Stills is sturdy against the run, and Proctor (their fourth-round pick) has an explosive first step as a pass rusher. Itās hard to see where the Cardinals are going to get game-changing plays from ā excluding Nolen ā but this group could be better than the sum of its parts.
Josh Sweat #10 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts after a sack against the San Francisco 49ers with teammates Jalen Thompson #34 and Budda Baker #3 during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Santa Clara, California.
Josh Sweat #10 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts after a sack against the San Francisco 49ers with teammates Jalen Thompson #34 and Budda Baker #3 during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Santa Clara, California.
Despite a dearth of external additions this offseason, Ossenfort said he expects the defense to take a step forward due to improved player development and health. Nowhere is that philosophy more clear than at edge rusher. Ojulari will now be two years removed from a complex knee injury, while Burch is entering his second season. One of them will likely need to take a step forward to add pass-rushing juice to a defense that finished 28th in sack rate last season. As it stands, only Sweat is a consistent threat to opposing quarterbacks.
In his four offseasons, Ossenfort has never expended significant resources on inside linebackers. The Cardinals have often been made to pay for that approach, but they stuck by it again this spring, making additions around only the periphery. Gibbens has spent most of his career as a pass-rush specialist, while Sharar was a developmental pick in the sixth round as the Cardinals hope to maximize his standout athletic traits.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Cody Simon (50) tackles Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (30) in the first quarter of an NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Cody Simon (50) tackles Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (30) in the first quarter of an NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati.
Unsurprisingly, cornerback was another position that the Cardinals did not touch this offseason, other than reworking Murphy-Buntingās deal to lower his cap hit. Johnson should be locked into one starting spot on the outside, with Williams as the nickel when he returns from his torn Achilles. Each of the other four players, though, could earn the final starting role opposite Johnson. It will be a key battle to watch in training camp.
After two years spent behind Baker and Jalen Thompson on the depth chart, Taylor-Demerson will now get his chance to prove his capabilities as a full-time starter ā a job that he has shown to be ready for in his limited opportunities. Wingard was signed as free agent depth, while Crawford and Joey Blount figure to compete for the final roster spot. Both are primarily used as special teamers.
Gillikin and Kreiter are the only players on the roster at their respective positions, with Gillikin set to return from a season-ending back injury suffered last October. At kicker, though, the Cardinals will have a training camp competition between Ryland and Joshua Karty, whom they signed in December. Ryland was a revelation when the Cardinals signed him in 2024, but he struggled with his consistency for much of last season, developing a consistent miss to the right.
