As the team’s 4-13 record would imply, the Arizona Cardinals had a lot of issues last season—and a defense that allowed the second-most points per game (26.8) was one of them. Based on the Cardinals’ moves this offseason, that likely won’t change much, if at all, this year.

In free agency, the team needed to add talent at defensive tackle and brought in Bilal Nichols and Justin Jones on three-year contracts totaling $21 million and $30.2 million, respectively. However, that may not have been money well spent.

Nichols is known as more of a pass-rusher but is coming off a two-year run with Las Vegas, where he totaled just three sacks. Meanwhile, Jones posted grades from Pro Football Focus in the 40s during his two seasons with the Bears.

Rookie Darius Robinson projects as the Cardinals’ best interior defensive lineman, and relying on a late-first-round pick to lead the unit as a rookie is a risky proposition. Also, the team lacks talent at edge-rusher and is hoping second-year pro BJ Ojulari takes a big step this season after Ojulari didn’t make a single start in 2023.

In the secondary, Arizona does have a good safety duo in Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson, but its cornerbacks are questionable.

Sean Murphy-Bunting was the front office’s biggest acquisition in free agency at corner, and Murphy-Bunting has been average at best throughout his career. Additionally, the team lost Antonio Hamilton, who was its best cornerback last season, so the addition comes out to a wash.

Second-round pick Max Melton is projected to start on the other side, while second-year pro Garrett Williams mans the nickel spot, so this position group will be very young for Arizona in 2024.