By Ross Jackson
The New Orleans Saints are just days away from their opening action of the 2025 NFL season. They’ll open their new era against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Saints underwent a lot of change this offseason. The team hired its new head coach, Kellen Moore. Then, after months of a quarterback battle, named Spencer Rattler its starting quarterback. But New Orleans isn’t alone in retooling over the summer, the Cardinals made some impactful decisions, as well.
Re-signing TE Trey McBride
This was one of the Cardinals’ biggest ticket moves this offseason. With a new four-year, $76 million contract, McBride is a prime part of Arizona’s offense. He gives quarterback Kyler Murray a big and physical target in the middle of the field.
The Saints’ defense last year only surrendered 714 receiving yards to tight ends, the eight best mark in the league. But much has changed about the system in New Orleans. Limiting McBride, one of the best tight ends in the NFL, will be crucial next weekend.
Signing EDGE Josh Sweat from the Philadelphia Eagles
Sweat was the other big-money move that Arizona made. With his own four-year deal, he received $76.4 million in total. He will be the make or break player for the Cardinals’ defense as the team’ s primary pass rusher, but he won’t be at it alone.
Drafting EDGE Jordan Burch and CB Will Johnson
In a defense-heavy draft class (six of seven selections were defensive players), Burch and Johnson stand out. Burch is another pass rusher to watch out for from the outside linebacker spot. Meanwhile fellow rookie Johnson will be tasked with keeping the Saints’ air attack grounded. The talented safety out of Michigan fell in the draft because of concerns with speed and health.
Placing DT Walter Nolan on PUP
The Cardinals’ first round pick won’t be available for the opening game against the Saints. He landed on the team’s Physically Unable to Perform list to start the year after spending the offseason managing a calf injury. That means the former Ole Miss defensive tackle will miss at least the first four games of the year. Without Nolan, the Saints may have an easier time establishing their much-needed run game.
Not giving up WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
It’s the criminal treatment of any small market team with a big ticket name; the assumption that the player should go somewhere else. Over the offseason there weren’t rumors, per se, but opinions that the Cardinals should have explored a trade market for Harrison. A thought that Arizona likely never even entertained, nor should they have.
Harrison had a fine season as a rookie last year grabbing 62 receptions for 885 receiving yards and eight touchdown catches. Obviously the expectations for a No. 4 overall draft pick receiver are very high. His 53.4 percent catch rate was among the biggest lightning rods for doubt. But now, with a full offseason to prepare for his second round, Harrison is sure to be an impactful player next Sunday.
