The Arizona Cardinals could create more than $70 million of space under the NFL salary cap — and possibly more than $100 million, if they trade Kyler Murray — to sign veteran players once free agency officially begins March 11.
That’s plenty. But other teams have money to spend, too. The 2026 NFL salary cap is $301.2 million. Negotiations with free agents start March 9.
The Cardinals are in the market for help at quarterback, running back, guard, right tackle, inside linebacker, defensive tackle and slot receiver.
USA TODAY Sports ranked the top 100 NFL free agents available. The Arizona Republic is part of the USA TODAY Network.
Arizona might be lucky to land even one of the players near the top of this list, but the Cardinals were listed among the “best fits” for three of the top 25.
Here are five marquee free agents for the Cardinals to consider at positions of need, and their overall ranking among available players.
7. Malik Willis, quarterback
Why Arizona: The Cardinals are exploring trade options for Kyler Murray after the former No. 1 overall pick was sidelined by a foot injury last season and eventually benched in favor of journeyman Jacoby Brissett. Willis was a third-round draft pick by the Tennessee Titans in 2022, after a college career at Auburn and Liberty, and has been Jordan Love’s backup in Green Bay since 2024. He is ranked as the top available free agent by some analysts.
USA TODAY Sports: “He could be this year’s version of Justin Fields — a quarterback with intriguing skills but limited experience who can nevertheless capitalize financially given the high demand but low supply at his incomparably critical position. Willis, 26, has far fewer NFL reps than Fields but really impressed while filling in as a spot starter for the Green Bay Packers the past two seasons, completing nearly 80% of his passes while throwing six TDs and zero INTs. In addition to a 134.6 passer rating, Willis can also move like a tank. Keep an eye on the Dolphins, who just plucked their new GM (Jon-Eric Sullivan) and coach (Jeff Hafley) from the Pack, as a potential buyer.”
Best fits: Dolphins, Cardinals.
Other options: No. 23 Aaron Rodgers, No. 98 Russell Wilson.
10. Breece Hall, running back
Why Arizona: The Cardinals can save $7.58 million by releasing James Conner, who is about to turn 31 and had a serious foot injury that limited him to three games last season. Trey Benson, a third-round pick in 2024, missed most of last season with a knee injury, and his role as a featured back is uncertain.
USA TODAY Sports: “Though the New York Jets seemingly purged much of their talent at last year’s trade deadline, they hung on to their 24-year-old back. And why not? Hall has averaged 1,260 yards from scrimmage and nearly seven TDs during his four seasons — and for a pop-gun offense. Explosive and an excellent receiver, Hall is the best runner on the market … if he actually reaches it.”
Best fits: Jets, Chiefs, Seahawks.
Other options: 17. Kenneth Walker III, 32. Travis Etienne, 41. Tyler Allgeier, 51. Rico Dowdle, 61. Rachaad White, 70. J.K. Dobbins, 77. Kenneth Gainwell, 91. Brian Robinson.
14. Devin Lloyd, inside linebacker
Why Arizona: The Cardinals can save $5.2 million by releasing Akeem Davis-Gaither, who racks up tackles but struggles in coverage, and would need an inside linebacker to pair with veteran Mack Wilson Sr.
USA TODAY Sports: “A first-rounder of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022, he blossomed into a Pro Bowler last season as the team blossomed around him. If the Jags don’t pony up to keep their 27-year-old defensive quarterback, someone will.”
Best fits: Jaguars, Commanders, Jets.
Other options: 36. Bobby Wagner, 42. Devin Bush Jr., 49. Nakobe Dean, 54. Leo Chenal, 87. Alex Singleton, 88. Alex Anzalone, 94. Demario Davis, 95. Lavonte David.
16. Rasheed Walker, offensive tackle
Why Arizona: Paris Johnson Jr. is the established starter at left tackle, but the Cardinals need a right tackle with the oft-injured Jonah Williams and veteran Kelvin Beachum, who is nearing retirement, both unrestricted free agents. Walker last played right tackle in high school.
USA TODAY Sports: “He’s been a solid, if unspectacular, starter for the Packers since 2023. But serviceable, 26-year-old left tackles don’t grow on trees.”
Best fits: Rams, Patriots, Cardinals.
Other options: 44. Braxton Jones, 67. Jermaine Eluemunor, 82. Braden Smith.
22. Romeo Doubs, wide receiver
Why Arizona: Marvin Harrison Jr. anchors a wide receiving corps that includes Michael Wilson and little else. Both Greg Dortch and Zay Jones are free agents, leaving an immediate vacancy at slot receiver. Doubs primarily plays on the perimeter, but his addition could allow Wilson to move into the slot.
USA TODAY Sports: “He’s 25 with good size (6-2, 204) and has averaged roughly 50 receptions and 600 yards during four years with the Packers, who have widely dispersed their target share in the post-Davante Adams era. Doubs could be far more impactful as a 1A or second option elsewhere.”
Best fits: Cardinals, Jets, Titans.
Other options: 18. WR Jauan Jennings, 26. Wan’dale Robinson, 60. Deebo Samuel, 68. Jalen Nailor, 86. Keenan Allen, 90. Marquise Brown, 99. Tyreek Hill.
Tips or story ideas? Email sports features and investigative reporter Jason Wolf at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @JasonWolf.
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