Arizona Cardinals Have Many Questions Going Into 2026.....So What Do We Know?

On this episode of Locked On Cardinals, Alex Clancy delivers an in-depth state-of-the-team breakdown following the conclusion of mandatory minicamp and ahead of training camp. The show is dedicated to uncovering what the Arizona Cardinals and their fans actually know versus what's still surrounded by uncertainty as the 2026 season approaches. Alex Clancy opens by dissecting the ongoing uncertainty at quarterback, specifically the status of Jacoby Brissett, who has yet to be signed, and what his future means for the offense. He analyzes Gardner Minshew’s quick adaptation to the offense, and what Carson Beck’s early reps reveal at this stage. The host then studies the offensive skill positions—emphasizing the likely 65-35 split between Jeremiyah Love and Tyler Allgeier, projected production for Michael Wilson, and why Trey McBride seems poised for a career year in a Michael LaFleur-led offense. The largest question mark, according to Alex Clancy, remains the right side of the offensive line, with particular focus on whether Chase Bisontis or Elijah Wilkinson will step up at right guard. Transitioning to the defense, Alex Clancy reacts to the devastating injury of Kaleb Proctor, what that means for the defensive line, and how the defense will attempt to fill new holes up front. He examines the pass rush issues, the importance of additions like Walter Nolan and Josh Sweat, and the potential for a surprise contributor such as Jordan Burch. The show digs into the depth of the secondary, highlighting the major upside with young players like Will Johnson and Garrett Williams, but acknowledges that extra pressure will fall on Adrian Taylor-Demerson and others in the absence of established veterans. The episode wraps with a detailed review of the Cardinals’ coaching staff: how Nick Rallis faces a monumental challenge overcoming roster holes, and how the combination of Nathaniel Hackett and Michael LaFleur brings hope for an explosive offense—if the skill talent is maximized and Marvin Harrison Jr. takes a leap. Alex Clancy concludes by stressing that the Cardinals offense follows a proven system, but whether it will produce results this year remains to be seen. Listeners are given a comprehensive overview of all three phases—offense, defense, and coaching—with analysis rooted in minicamp observations and long-term trends, painting an honest picture of both excitement and daunting challenges for the Cardinals heading into 2026. Let's discuss.   Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! RugietGet 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhlRugiet. Performance medicine for men. Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.  FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. Square If you’re starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at https://square.com/go/LockedOnNFL. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)     Find and follow Locked On Cardinals on your favorite podcast platforms:     Apple https://apple.co/3gzT6Pg Spotify https://spoti.fi/3wsOL7a Audacy https://bit.ly/3xdaqjU Stitcher https://bit.ly/3cFWffn Google https://buff.ly/2yH7WOl Megaphone https://bit.ly/2RUBlC5 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.