The Arizona Cardinals depth chart for 2025 offers one of the most intriguing rosters in the NFL. With Kyler Murray returning to full health, new signings across both sides of the ball, and a coaching staff aiming to rebuild around youth and speed, the Cardinals are in a unique position to surprise analysts and fans alike this season. This article explores the current depth chart, player roles, trends, expert evaluations, and how it all shapes the Cardinals’ path forward in the 2025 NFL season.
Arizona Cardinals Depth Chart Overview
The Arizona Cardinals are entering the 2025 season with a balanced approach that blends emerging talent and veteran leadership. Head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort have prioritized defensive improvement and offensive consistency. After finishing 4–13 in the 2024 season, the Cardinals are in a transitional phase, focused on strengthening their depth at critical positions, especially quarterback, offensive line, and cornerback.
Defining the Depth Chart
In NFL terms, a depth chart represents the team’s player hierarchy by position — starters, backups, and reserves. It is a key tool for coaches, analysts, and fans to understand team structure, potential rotations, and injury contingencies. As of the 2025 offseason, Arizona’s depth chart reflects both their developmental progress and their ongoing rebuild strategy.
Quarterback Room: Kyler Murray Leads Again
After a turbulent 2023 and a slow return in 2024, Kyler Murray enters 2025 with renewed confidence. Known for his mobility, precision passing, and improvisation, Murray’s leadership will determine the Cardinals’ offensive identity this year.
Starter: Kyler Murray
Murray’s 2024 stats included over 3,200 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions, showing flashes of his 2021 Pro Bowl form. His dual-threat ability remains central to the Cardinals’ offensive scheme, with more designed runs expected under new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
Backup: Clayton Tune
Tune’s limited appearances in 2024 showcased improvement in pocket awareness and decision-making. He remains a serviceable backup who understands the system, a key advantage for continuity.
Third String: Draft Prospect Watch
The Cardinals are monitoring late-round rookie quarterbacks for long-term development. Their 2025 draft approach will likely prioritise depth behind Murray, especially given his history with ACL injuries.
Running Back Depth: A Balanced Backfield
Arizona’s rushing attack struggled in 2024, ranking 26th in the league. However, the 2025 depth chart signals a potential turnaround with improved health and fresh legs.
Starter: James Conner
A veteran and locker room leader, Conner remains the heart of the ground game. Despite missing a few games in 2024, he managed over 900 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns. His bruising style and short-yardage reliability make him indispensable.
Backup: Emari Demercado
Demercado’s rookie flashes in 2024 earned him a stronger role. Expect him to share reps in early downs, adding speed and agility that complement Conner’s physicality.
Developmental Players
Rookie additions in 2025 bring youthful energy. The Cardinals have tested undrafted talents who could emerge as special team contributors.
Wide Receiver Unit: Youth and Potential
With DeAndre Hopkins long gone and Hollywood Brown’s future uncertain, the Cardinals’ receiver group looks youthful but promising.
WR1: Michael Wilson
Wilson’s strong finish to the 2024 season established him as Murray’s primary target. His size, route-running precision, and red-zone presence make him a cornerstone for 2025.
WR2: Greg Dortch
Dortch’s versatility and quickness from the slot keep him vital to Arizona’s offensive rhythm. Expect him to lead the team in receptions once again, particularly on short and intermediate routes.
WR3: Rookie Prospect or Free Agent Addition
The Cardinals are eyeing new wideouts to stretch the field. With over $40 million in cap space, analysts expect them to target a proven veteran or high-upside draft pick.
Tight Ends: Reinventing the Position
Tight end play has grown increasingly important in the modern NFL. Arizona continues to experiment with multiple formations, deploying their tight ends in both blocking and receiving roles.
Trey McBride
Arguably the team’s breakout star of 2024, McBride finished top five among NFL tight ends in receiving yards. His chemistry with Murray is crucial for the Cardinals’ intermediate passing game. In 2025, McBride is projected to lead all Cardinals in total receptions.
Zach Ertz (If Retained)
Ertz’s experience offers value in red-zone scenarios and mentoring young players. If re-signed, his role would likely be situational but impactful.
Offensive Line: Rebuilding the Foundation
Protecting Kyler Murray remains a top priority. Injuries plagued the offensive line last season, but depth and experience are improving.
Key Starters
Left Tackle: Paris Johnson Jr. continues to develop as a reliable protector, anchoring the blindside.
Left Guard: Elijah Wilkinson provides veteran stability.
Center: Hjalte Froholdt showed promise but needs more consistency.
Right Guard: Will Hernandez’s leadership and toughness make him indispensable.
Right Tackle: Kelvin Beachum or a rookie addition will compete for this spot.
With improved continuity and coaching, this unit could climb into the league’s top 15 in pass protection by season’s end.
Defensive Overview: Building a Modern Front
Arizona’s defense struggled mightily in 2024, finishing 31st overall. In 2025, expect a more aggressive, blitz-heavy approach under Jonathan Gannon, reminiscent of his Philadelphia Eagles tenure.
Defensive Line
Led by Leki Fotu and rookie standouts, the defensive line is focused on run-stopping and gap control. The addition of a dynamic edge rusher from the 2025 draft will strengthen their third-down presence.
Linebackers
Zaven Collins transitions fully into an outside linebacker role, while Kyzir White commands the middle. Their chemistry and communication are improving, giving Arizona a strong defensive backbone.
Secondary
Budda Baker remains the heart of the Cardinals’ defense. His leadership and high football IQ influence younger players like Garrett Williams and Kei’Trel Clark. Expect more nickel packages this season to counter pass-heavy opponents.
Special Teams: Underrated but Reliable
Kicker Matt Prater continues to deliver consistency, while punter Blake Gillikin has emerged as a valuable field-position weapon. Special teams coach Jeff Rodgers has emphasized better coverage units, and new additions from the 2025 draft class could play key roles.
Coaching and Strategic Trends
Jonathan Gannon’s vision revolves around disciplined, versatile football. His defensive philosophy centres on creating turnovers, while offensive coordinator Drew Petzing focuses on rhythm-based plays for Murray. Analysts note that the Cardinals’ scheme is trending toward short-pass efficiency rather than deep shots, reflecting an NFL-wide evolution seen with teams like the 49ers and Dolphins.
The Cardinals’ use of analytics in play-calling has also increased significantly. According to Next Gen Stats, Arizona ranked 8th in play-action rate during the final six games of 2024, showing adaptability that bodes well for 2025.
Key Trends in 2025
Increased Youth Development: Arizona’s average roster age has dropped to 25.8, indicating a shift towards long-term team building.
Focus on Draft Capital: The Cardinals hold multiple first-round picks in 2025, signalling continued investment in rebuilding.
Defensive Identity Reboot: Gannon aims to recreate the aggressive defensive success he achieved in Philadelphia.
Health and Consistency: Keeping Murray and Conner healthy will dictate the season’s outcome.
Real-Life Examples of Team Turnarounds
Recent NFL history offers optimism. The Detroit Lions’ 2023 resurgence and the Houston Texans’ 2024 turnaround under C.J. Stroud demonstrate how fast franchises can rebuild with the right leadership and player development. If Arizona follows a similar blueprint, they could surprise the league as early as 2026.
Practical Tips for Fans and Analysts
Track Preseason Lineup Rotations: The Cardinals’ final depth chart often changes after preseason performances.
Monitor Injury Reports: Murray’s health and Conner’s workload remain key.
Evaluate Draft Strategy: Follow how Arizona uses its 2025 draft picks to fill depth gaps.
Watch for Midseason Trades: Ossenfort’s front office has shown a willingness to trade veterans for future picks.
Study Snap Counts: These offer the clearest picture of player utilization beyond the official depth chart.
FAQs
Who is the starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals in 2025?
Kyler Murray remains the starting quarterback, entering the season fully healthy and expected to lead the team’s offensive resurgence.
Which players are key on the Cardinals defense this season?
Budda Baker, Zaven Collins, and Kyzir White headline the defensive unit, with several promising rookies joining to reinforce depth and pass-rushing power.
What is the biggest weakness in the Arizona Cardinals depth chart?
Offensive line consistency and wide receiver depth remain the biggest concerns entering the 2025 season, though improvements are underway.
How will the 2025 draft impact the Cardinals roster?
The team is expected to focus on bolstering defensive line depth, offensive protection, and wide receiver talent through multiple early draft picks.
Can the Arizona Cardinals make the playoffs in 2025?
While unlikely this season, experts predict substantial progress in 2025 with a potential playoff push as early as 2026, depending on health and draft outcomes.
To Conclude
The Arizona Cardinals depth chart in 2025 is a reflection of strategic rebuilding, patient leadership, and emerging young talent. Although the franchise remains in a developmental stage, its foundation is stronger than it appears. Kyler Murray’s leadership, Trey McBride’s rise, and Jonathan Gannon’s defensive discipline position the Cardinals for a steady climb in the coming seasons. With the right draft strategy and consistent play, Arizona could soon reclaim its competitiveness in the NFC West.
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