Sam Leavitt Transfers from ASU to LSU: A New Journey Begins

Arizona Cardinals' Offensive Line: The Key Problem Heading Into 2026 Season

Update The Importance of a Strong Offensive Line As the Arizona Cardinals look forward to the 2026 NFL season, it's become abundantly clear that the core issue facing the team lies in its offensive line. Even with budding star quarterback Kyler Murray leading the charge, without a sturdy offensive line, the entire team's success is jeopardized. Like every team in the league, the Cardinals are realizing that games are often won (or lost) in the trenches. Strengthening the offensive front must be the primary focus if they hope to evolve from rebuilding to contending. Why Stability Matters Historically, teams that have prioritized building their offensive line have seen better performance across the board. This season, the Cardinals have cycled through eight different line combinations, a clear indicator of instability and lack of cohesion. Just ask Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid, who has long stressed the importance of a solid offensive line. The resounding truth is that an offensive line acts as the backbone of a team, affecting every aspect of the game—from the quarterback's comfort level to the effectiveness of the run game. Current Roster Challenges The Cardinals’ roster reflects a desperate need for improvement up front. With several players starting games due to injuries and inconsistency, the performance of the line has suffered. Key figures, like Paris Johnson Jr., show promise but can’t fix the problem alone. General Manager Monti Ossenfort faces a significant challenge ahead: strategically investing in the offensive line through the draft and trades rather than merely sticking with subpar options from previous seasons. Learning from Other Teams Looking at the Chicago Bears, who made aggressive moves in the offseason to rebuild their offensive line, the Cardinals would benefit from emulating that strategy. It doesn't take an expert to see that the Bears have flourished this season in part due to their revamped line—adding stability and ensuring their young quarterback, Caleb Williams, is well-protected. The current wrinkle in the Cardinals’ plans is their No. 3 pick in the upcoming draft. Will they use it to bolster their sad o-line or gamble on yet another quarterback? A Call for Action For Arizona to forge a winning culture, the front office must act decisively. Building a robust offensive line should be the priority—not just for the sake of Kyler Murray’s future, but for the overall health of the franchise. As fans watch the offseason unfold, it’s imperative to keep the focus on how the Cardinals invest their draft picks and whether that translates into success on the field.