What Could Success Look like for the Arizona Cardinals in 2026?
Many teams define success as winning more than 10 games and making a deep playoff run. Other teams may be satisfied ending the season with a win percentage over .500. The Arizona Cardinals may be one of those teams. Last season the Cardinals finished the season 3-14, one of the league's worst records, landing them a top-three overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. The Cardinals' 2025 season was riddled with injuries and drama, affecting the team's ability to win. With a new head coach and starting quarterback, what could success look like for the Arizona Cardinals in 2026?
The success of the Cardinals could be split into different categories, not just how many games they won in a season. The first sign of success for Arizona could be finding a long-term QB following the trade or release of Kyler Murray. Whether it's Malik Willis or someone else, the Cardinals need stability at the position. Ending the weekly drama of who will start at QB. A notable win for the Cardinals would be for their starting QB to post a completion percentage, as well as a quarterback rating within the top 12 in the league. While also completing at least 12 games without an injury. Stable QB play for the Cardinals could be the first sign of improvement. Secondly, would come running back play. If Arizona decides to keep James Conner, they would want to see flashes of his 2021 self, where he scored 15 rushing touchdowns that season. The running back position lacked depth for the Cardinals in 2025 as Conner and RB2 Trey Benson were both out with injuries. Causing the Cardinals to have one of the worst run games in the league, struggling in short-yardage situations. If Conner and Benson can manage to stay healthy, this would be a huge win for the Cardinals' offense. Similarly, they need Marvin Harrison Jr. to continue producing, hopefully having a breakout season where he is considered one of the top wide receivers in the NFL. Lastly, the offensive line must become a strength of the team, not a weakness. If the o-line can help produce fewer sacks on a new QB and hold out through the fourth quarter, the Cardinals offense could help the team win over eight games next season.
The success of the Arizona Cardinals' defense could be measured in several different ways, not just by total points allowed. One of the first signs of improvement would be the health of their key players, as injuries impacted the unit throughout last season, exposing the lack of depth when starters missed time. A major area that must take a step forward is the pass rush, as Arizona finished near the bottom of the league in pressure rate and total sacks, often giving opposing quarterbacks too much time in the pocket and putting extra pressure on the secondary. If they are able to draft or sign a true difference maker at edge, someone who can consistently win one-on-one matchups and finish with double-digit sacks, it would elevate the entire defense and lead to more hurried throws and takeaways. Another important focus is the defensive tackle position and the run defense, since the Cardinals struggled to control the line of scrimmage and had difficulty getting stops in short-yardage situations, allowing offenses to extend drives and control the pace of the game. Adding a powerful interior defender who can absorb double teams and clog running lanes would help Arizona win on early downs and force opponents into longer third-down situations. At cornerback, the development of Garrett Williams will be a key factor, because if he takes the next step and becomes a true number one option, the defense will be able to play tighter coverage and send extra pressure when needed. The biggest win for the defense, however, could come from the return to full strength of Budda Baker, as when he plays at a Pro Bowl level, he brings leadership, physicality, and the ability to create momentum-changing plays near the line of scrimmage and in coverage. A healthy Baker, combined with an improved pass rush and a stronger interior defensive line, would allow Arizona to get off the field more consistently, limit explosive plays, and finally close out the one-score games that slipped away last season.
In the end, real progress for the Arizona Cardinals will not be defined by their record but by whether the foundation of the team is finally in place. Stability at quarterback, a healthy and productive run game, and the continued rise of Marvin Harrison Jr. would signal that the offense has found its identity, while a stronger pass rush, improved defense, and the return of star safety Baker to Pro Bowl form would show real growth on the other side of the ball. Along with improving sack totals, QB pressures, and stopping the run game. If those pieces can come together, the close losses that defined last season can turn into wins, and Arizona will move from a rebuilding team to a winning team.
