Expectations are low for the Arizona Cardinals going into the 2026 season. That’s not a secret to anyone, especially amid tanking rumors. However, following the NFL Draft, there have been glimmers of hope for the future of the Cardinals, particularly on offense.
ESPN shut down those rumors in its most recent Power Rankings, these ones taking the NFL Draft into consideration, moving the Cardinals down a slot. Now, Arizona is coming in ranked No. 29 overall.
“The Cardinals signed Tyler Allgeier early in free agency with an eye toward giving him an expanded role beyond backing up Bijan Robinson in Atlanta. But as the NFL draft process played out, Arizona viewed running back Jeremiyah Love as the best player available at No. 3 and made him the highest running back selection since Saquon Barkley went No. 2 to the Giants in 2018,” Nick Wagoner wrote.
“Arizona also re-signed Bam Knight and restructured James Conner‘s deal. Love should be the centerpiece, while Allgeier could be a strong backup and excel in short-yardage situations. Conner, Trey Benson and Knight round out what is one of the deepest running backs rooms in the league.”
In some respects, No 29 is a positive outlook on the Cardinals. They were recently given the longest odds in the entire NFL to win the Super Bowl. Regardless, No. 29 in the NFL is a tough spot to be in.
Running Back Named the Most Improved Position for the Arizona Cardinals
GettyArizona Cardinals draft pick Jeremiyah Love
Within the ESPN Power Rankings, running back was named the most improved position for the Arizona Cardinals. Of course, that’s no surprise to anyone.
The Cardinals used the No. 3 overall pick on Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. This came after Love proved to be one of the best running backs in all of college football over the past two seasons. That included rushing for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns on 6.9 yards per carry in 2025.
On top of that, Arizona also signed running back Tyler Allgeier this offseason. He rushed for 514 yards and 8 touchdowns a season ago with the Atlanta Falcons, and should help create a two-headed backfield for the Cardinals to rely on.
There are still questions on the offense, particularly at quarterback. However, if Love and Allgeier can manage to live up to their expectations, they’ll take pressure off the rest of the offense and have the chance to control games.
Cardinals Make Sense as a Landing Spot for Aaron Rodgers
GettyPittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers
The Aaron Rodgers saga is once again ongoing. He has options. Rodgers could retire, or the Pittsburgh Steelers remain open to him returning there. However, as John Breech of CBS Sports shared, the Arizona Cardinals would also make sense for the future Hall of Fame quarterback.
“The Cardinals just hired a new offensive coordinator this year in Nathaniel Hackett, who just happens to be best friends with Rodgers. When the QB signed with the Jets in 2023, he essentially brought Hackett with him to New York. The two have a relationship that dates back to their time in Green Bay. Hackett was the offensive coordinator for three seasons with the Packers (2019-21), and Rodgers just happened to win two MVP awards in that span,” Breech wrote.
“And let’s not forget that the Cardinals are now coached by Mike LaFleur, the brother of Packers coach Matt LaFleur, who coached Rodgers for four seasons in Green Bay. Basically, the Cardinals have a coaching staff that Rodgers would probably find enticing.”
It seems like Rodgers to Arizona would be a massive long shot. However, if he came in, it would certainly be a boost for the Cardinals heading into the regular season.
Cardinals Continue to Tumble in ESPN Power Rankings Following NFL Draft