The Arizona Cardinals are rolling into 2026 with an NFL squad that’s already looking way better than last year’s edition, especially after a brutal season where injuries absolutely decimated their running back room and offensive line. GM Monti Ossenfort wasted no time fixing what was broken. He saw that right tackle was a huge problem, and both guard spots were an issue. So, he made some big moves, literally showing Evan Brown, Kelvin Beachum, and Jonah Williams the door.
New Faces, New Scheme, Major Pressure Up Front
Ossenfort went to work, signing numerous players in free agency and drafting more in April. Now, with training camp officially here, the position battles for the offensive line are heating up. This group has a ton riding on them, especially with new head coach Mike LaFleur installing a brand-new offensive scheme that wants to run the ball a lot more. You can’t run the ball if your O-line isn’t producing, right? The Cardinals brought in Kendrick Bourne from the 49ers in free agency, drafted Riggie Virgil in Round 5, and added undrafted rookie Harrison Wallace, III to the mix. These guys gotta prove it, because a productive unit is non-negotiable for what this offense wants to do.
The Guard Spots: Wild Cards, Studs, and Trouble
Let’s talk about the offensive guard group, because that’s where the real drama is brewing. Issac Seumalo was absolutely the splash of free agency for Arizona at left guard, a complete stud who will change the narrative for that offensive line. Then there’s rookie Chase Bisontis, a Round 2 pick, who’s the absolute Wild Card at right guard. He’s getting every opportunity to win that starting spot. If he can bring the same production he showed in college, Ossenfort might have just fixed both guard positions in one swoop.
But it gets crazier. Matt Pryor, another great signing, can play either guard spot and will push Bisontis hard. He could totally end up with the job. And remember Isaiah Adams? He was penciled in to compete, but his recent arrest is a huge question mark. He was a darling in camp and did well in preseason against second- and third-stringers, but when the regular season started and he faced actual starters, he struggled mightily. So, yeah, that right guard spot could be a three-player battle. Jon Gaines II, with another year of experience under his belt, will most likely be the key backup again. Preseason games are gonna be clutch to see who steps up. This new offense, with its run-heavy and short-to-intermediate passing zones, is gonna live or die by these guys up front. Talk about high stakes, right?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Revenge of the Birds.
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