2025 NFL Team Preview Series
Welcome to our 2025 NFL Team Preview Series, where we’ll dive deep into all 32 franchises ahead of the upcoming season. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a fantasy football manager, or just looking to get up to speed before kickoff, this series breaks down everything you need to know about each team’s trajectory.
For every team, we’ll cover:
- Coaching Staff & Philosophy – Who’s leading the charge, and what kind of system are they running?
- Offseason Recap – Key free-agent moves, trades, and draft picks that reshaped the roster.
- Schedule Breakdown – Matchups to watch, tough stretches, and projected win-loss record.
From Super Bowl contenders to rebuilding rosters, we’ll assess where each team stands and what lies ahead in 2025.
First up is the Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
Coaching Staff: Defensive Roots, Evolving Strategy
Jonathan Gannon returns for his third season as head coach, continuing to shape the Cardinals in his image: tough, energetic, and built from the trenches outward. A former defensive coordinator with the Eagles, Gannon brought a high-motor mentality to Arizona that laid the foundation for a full-scale rebuild.
Though Gannon is defence-first, the front office initially prioritized building around quarterback Kyler Murray. The 2023 and 2024 offseasons were marked by heavy investments in the offensive core—selecting Paris Johnson Jr. and Marvin Harrison Jr. in back-to-back drafts, extending James Conner, and reinforcing the offensive line to protect their franchise QB.
But that approach shifted in 2025.
This offseason, the Cardinals turned their attention to defence—finally giving Gannon more talent to work with. Arizona added both veteran playmakers and high-upside rookies at key defensive positions, signaling a desire to balance the roster and empower Gannon’s unit to keep pace with the improving NFC West.
Offensive Coordinator Drew Petzing remains in place and continues to develop a West Coast-inspired attack tailored to Kyler Murray’s strengths—emphasizing play-action, motion, and quick decision-making. Petzing’s presence has brought stability and structure, especially important for the development of young stars like Marvin Harrison Jr.
On the other side, Defensive Coordinator Nick Rallis—one of the youngest coordinators in the NFL—enters his third year at the helm of Gannon’s aggressive, disguise-heavy 4–3 base. With new pieces on the defensive line and in the secondary, Rallis finally has the personnel to implement a more complete version of Gannon’s pressure-based philosophy.
In 2025, the coaching staff’s continuity paired with a more well-rounded roster could make Arizona one of the NFL’s most quietly competitive teams.
2025 Offseason Recap: Arizona Focuses on Defence
Arizona’s 2025 offseason marked a definitive shift toward defensive improvement after years of offence-first investment. The front office followed through on its promise, adding veteran pieces and extending key defenders.
Key Free-Agent Additions & Retentions:
- Josh Sweat (EDGE) – Signed a 4-year, $76M deal. Reunites with Gannon and brings immediate pass-rush production (8 sacks in 2024; 2.5 in Super Bowl LIX).
- Dalvin Tomlinson (DT) – Two-year, $29M deal. A run-stopper who also adds interior pressure.
- Akeem Davis-Gaither (LB) – Signed for 2 years, $11M. Adds athleticism and coverage ability.
- Baron Browning (LB) – Extended for 2 years, $15M. Versatile linebacker who plays downhill. Had an excellent second half of the 2024 season after being dealt from Denver to Arizona.
- L.J. Collier (DT) – Re-signed on a one-year deal; rotational interior boost after a career-best 2024.
- Jacoby Brissett (QB) – Reliable veteran backup to Kyler Murray.
- Jake Curhan (OT) – Depth signing for offensive line versatility.
- Zay Jones, Evan Brown, Aaron Brewer – Re-signed for depth and continuity.
- Calais Campbell (DT) – Returns on a one-year, $5.5M deal to provide leadership and run defence.
Key Departures
- Dennis Gardeck (LB, ST) – After seven seasons in Arizona—recording 17 career sacks, including nine over the past two years—Gardeck signed with the Jaguars in early June 2025. Though limited by injuries, he was a core special teams leader and popular figure in the locker room.
- Roy Lopez (DT) – Lopez departed for Detroit on a one-year deal worth approximately $4.75 million. Known for his gritty play in the interior, his absence removes a veteran presence from the rotation.
- Bernhard Seikovits (TE) – Cut in April, the Austrian tight end was a reserve roster player and International Practice Path participant. His release marked the end of his Cardinals stint.
2025 NFL Draft Recap
Arizona stuck to its plan of building a more formidable defence in the draft, adding multiple high-upside players with starting potential.
- Round 1, Pick 16: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Nolen adds a disruptive interior presence, totaling 6.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss in his final collegiate season. He projects as a potential day-one starter alongside veterans like Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson. - Round 2, Pick 47: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Considered a top-10 talent before a late injury-related slide, Johnson brings lockdown capabilities to Arizona’s secondary. As a former national championship game Defensive MVP, he offers high upside - Round 3, Pick 78: Jordan Burch, EDGE, Oregon
Burch tallied 8.5 sacks in college and adds rotational pass-rush firepower. His versatility and physical tools make him an ideal complement to starters like Josh Sweat and Drew Flag. - Round 4, Pick 115: Cody Simon, LB, Ohio State
A tackling machine with big-game pedigree (defensive MVP of both the CFP and Rose Bowl), Simon is expected to compete for an inside linebacker role and bring production from Day 1. - Round 5, Pick 174: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
Burke’s athleticism and special teams potential earned him a place on the roster. He was one of four draftees signed quickly on Day 3. - Round 6, Pick 211: Hayden Conner, OG, Texas
Arizona’s only offensive selection, Conner adds interior line depth with starting experience at Texas. - Round 7, Pick 225: Kitan Crawford, S, Nevada
A versatile safety and special-teams standout, Crawford provides backup support with potential to grow into a rotational role.
Key Draft Storyline: Arizona Stops the Slide for CB Will Johnson
The top storyline from the Arizona Cardinals’ 2025 NFL Draft was their aggressive move to trade up and select Michigan cornerback Will Johnson with the 47th overall pick. Widely projected as a first-round talent, Johnson unexpectedly slipped into the middle of Day 2, prompting Arizona to act decisively. The Cardinals packaged a pair of mid-round picks to move up and secure a player they viewed as a long-term anchor in the secondary.
At 6’2″ with elite ball skills and advanced technique, Johnson was a two-time All-Big Ten performer and a key piece in Michigan’s national championship run. His physicality, intelligence, and press coverage ability make him an ideal schematic fit in Jonathan Gannon’s defence, which demands versatility and discipline from its corners. While some teams were reportedly concerned about a hamstring injury that ended his season early, Arizona clearly felt the upside outweighed the risk.
The selection sends a clear message: the Cardinals are building their defence around blue-chip talent at premium positions. Johnson, alongside recent veteran additions and fellow draft pick Denzel Burke, could give Arizona one of the most promising young cornerback groups in the league. If he stays healthy, Johnson has the tools to become a cornerstone of Gannon’s defense for years.
Final Draft Thought
Arizona’s 2025 draft clearly prioritized defence. Trading up for Johnson showed urgency, while adding depth to the front seven created roster balance. With the offence largely in place, the Cardinals targeted long-term defensive upgrades.
Offseason Summary
The Cardinals entered the 2025 offseason with a clear mandate: balance the roster by upgrading a defence that lagged behind its developing offence. After two years focused on surrounding Kyler Murray with weapons, Arizona shifted its attention to the other side of the ball. Key free-agent additions like cornerbacks Sean Murphy-Bunting and Emmanuel Moseley, along with linebacker Mack Wilson Sr., bolstered a thin defence. The draft continued that trend, headlined by a bold move to land top corner Will Johnson. The Cardinals now look more complete heading into 2025.
2025 Schedule Breakdown & Win-Loss Prediction
After reinforcing the defence and solidifying a promising young offence, the Cardinals enter 2025 hoping to climb the NFC West ranks. The roster is trending in the right direction, but the schedule won’t do them any favours—featuring multiple tough road tests and a daunting stretch of late-season divisional games. Arizona will need to capitalize on the early and midseason slate while remaining healthy to stay in the mix.
Weeks 1–4: Easing In
- Week 1: at New Orleans Saints
- Week 2: vs. Carolina Panthers
- Week 3: at San Francisco 49ers
- Week 4: vs. Seattle Seahawks
Outlook: Arizona opens with a favorable stretch against the rebuilding Saints and Panthers. Getting the road matchup in San Francisco out of the way early could be a break, as the 49ers may still be adjusting to offseason changes. If the Cardinals come out of the gate sharp, they could build early momentum.
Prediction: 3-1
Weeks 5–9: Marinating Momentum
- Week 5: vs. Tennessee Titans
- Week 6: at Indianapolis Colts
- Week 7: vs. Green Bay Packers
- Week 8: BYE
- Week 9: at Dallas Cowboys
Outlook: The Titans and Colts are both beatable, but contests against the Packers and Cowboys will test Arizona’s growth. A Week 8 bye offers a timely reset ahead of a difficult road trip to Dallas.
Prediction: 2–2 (Overall: 5-3)
Weeks 10–13: Midseason Test
- Week 10: at Seattle Seahawks
- Week 11: vs. San Francisco 49ers
- Week 12: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
- Week 13: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Outlook: This stretch could define Arizona’s season. Seattle is always tough at home, the 49ers should be rounding into form by Week 11, and both Jacksonville and Tampa Bay bring high-powered offences. This could be where the Cardinals hit turbulence.
Prediction: 1–3 (Overall: 6–6)
Weeks 14–18: Closing Strong
- Week 14: vs. Los Angeles Rams
- Week 15: at Houston Texans
- Week 16: vs Atlanta Falcons
- Week 17: at Cincinnati Bengals
- Week 18: at Los Angles Rams
Outlook: The final five weeks are a gauntlet, with three road games and multiple opponents with playoff potential. The Cardinals may be playing spoiler by this point, but should still find a couple of wins against teams either locked into playoff spots or stumbling late.
Prediction: 2–3
Record Prediction: 8–9
This is a team on the rise, but still finding its identity. If the defence comes together quickly and Kyler Murray elevates the offence, the Cardinals could exceed expectations. For now, expect meaningful improvement and a competitive, albeit slightly sub-.500, season.
Final Take
The Cardinals enter 2025 more balanced and better aligned with Jonathan Gannon’s vision. The defence has finally caught up to the offence in terms of investment. While playoff expectations are premature, the foundation is set. Arizona is no longer an easy out—if health and development align, a breakout could be on the horizon in 2026.
-Devon Gallant
Twitter: @DevGallant
Photo: David. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.