The Anchor and the Gap: Solving the Right Tackle Puzzle
The Arizona Cardinals have a clear cornerstone in Paris Johnson Jr. The team recently signaled their long-term commitment by picking up his fifth-year option, securing the left tackle through 2027 with a scheduled salary of approximately $19 million. Johnson, a former sixth overall pick, has already shown versatility, starting as a right tackle in 2023 before moving to left tackle in 2024 to serve as the line’s anchor.
However, the opposite side of the line remains a significant concern. While the Cardinals signed Elijah Wilkinson to a two-year contract to fill the void, there are doubts about whether he is a long-term starter solution. Wilkinson started every game at right tackle for Atlanta in 2025, but that tenure was marked by 46 QB pressures allowed per PFF data.
For a team looking to protect its investment in the pocket, fortifying the right side is no longer optional—it is a priority. Whether through the draft or further free-agent acquisitions, the goal is to find a permanent bookend for Johnson Jr. To eliminate the vulnerability that plagued the unit last season.
Searching for the Signal Caller: Arizona’s QB Dilemma
The most glaring question mark in the Cardinals’ future is the quarterback position. After parting ways with Kyler Murray, the team has pivoted to a bridge solution, signing Jacoby Brissett to start with Gardner Minshew as the backup.
This setup suggests a transitional phase rather than a final destination. With the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming draft, Arizona is in a prime position to secure a “QB of the future.” The decision to draft a developmental project or a franchise cornerstone at the game’s most important position will define the trajectory of the organization for the next decade.
Industry experts suggest that leaping back into the end of the first round could be a viable strategy if the right talent is available, emphasizing the urgency of finding a long-term answer at quarterback.
Beyond Josh Sweat: Hunting for Pass-Rush Potency
On the defensive side of the ball, the Cardinals are facing a potency problem. Last season, Josh Sweat was the only player on the roster to generate more than seven sacks, leaving the defense overly reliant on a single playmaker.
Nick Rallis’ defense struggled in 2025, decimated by injuries that stripped the unit of its depth and effectiveness. To turn the tide, Arizona needs to add more teeth to its pass rush. With veteran Calais Campbell still a free agent, the team has an opportunity to bring in experienced leadership and disruptive pressure.
Adding another high-impact pass rusher would not only alleviate the pressure on Sweat but also force opposing offenses to account for multiple threats, preventing them from simply doubling the Cardinals’ primary edge threat.
Cardinals’ 2026 Draft Capital Overview
- Round 1: No. 3
- Round 2: No. 34
- Round 3: No. 65
- Round 4: No. 104
- Round 5: No. 143
- Round 6: No. 183
- Round 7: No. 217
Frequently Asked Questions
Free agent Elijah Wilkinson is currently projected to be the starting right tackle, though the team is still looking to bolster this position.
The Cardinals have picked up his fifth-year option, meaning he is under contract through 2027 with a scheduled salary of about $19 million.
Jacoby Brissett has been signed to start, with Gardner Minshew serving as the backup following the departure of Kyler Murray.
What do you think the Cardinals should do with the No. 3 pick? Should they go for a franchise QB or address the offensive line? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more deep-dive NFL analysis!
