Theo Mackie

Phoenix

Cardinals Beat Writer at The Arizona Republic

Cardinals beat writer @azcsports / @azcentral. Alum @umich. DC native.

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Articles

Arizona Cardinals rookie shares wild post-career plans; Jonathan Gannon earns raves

5 days ago | azcentral.com | Theo Mackie

Pope Leo XIV wasn’t the only recent Cardinals selection to step into a new role this week. On Friday morning in Tempe, Jonathan Gannon’s rookie class went through a slightly less heralded ritual: their first NFL practice. Far from the limelight of State Farm Stadium four months from now, this was — as Gannon puts it — the first building block of their nascent careers.
Arizona Cardinals' Will Johnson (has he moved past his draft snub?), Cody Simon introduced

5 days ago | azcentral.com | Theo Mackie

Some day, Will Johnson and Cody Simon might be two crucial pieces of the Arizona Cardinals’ next Super Bowl-contending defense. If they are, Thursday, May 8, will be the beginning. For both players, it was their first day inside the Cardinals’ Tempe facility as they made their in-person introductions to new teammates and coaches. As part of the proceedings, both players met with reporters for the first time, decked out in a red Cardinals polo, red Cardinals shorts and red Nike shoes.
Playoff push? What we learned about the Arizona Cardinals this offseason

1 week ago | azcentral.com | Theo Mackie

The Arizona Cardinals of 2025 will look very different from the Arizona Cardinals of 2024. That’s the overarching achievement of this offseason. Handed a threadbare roster two years ago, general manager Monti Ossenfort has shaped a team that is built to contend for a playoff spot. Neither Ossenfort nor head coach Jonathan Gannon will publicly reveal in May what they want their team to look like in September. But through their actions, they showed a few of their ideas.
Arizona Cardinals' 53-man roster projection after 2025 NFL Draft

2 weeks ago | azcentral.com | Theo Mackie

It’s never too early for a roster projection. Three months remain until the start of training camp, but after the NFL draft, we have a good idea of what the Arizona Cardinals’ roster may look like — even if they do dip back into free agency for another veteran. So, with seven new draft picks joining the fold, here’s our projection for what the 53-man roster will look like come September:OffenseQuarterback (2): Kyler Murray, Jacoby BrissettNo drama here. Murray will be the starter.
Breaking down Arizona Cardinals' top remaining needs after NFL draft

2 weeks ago | azcentral.com | Theo Mackie

The most important parts of the NFL offseason are in the rearview mirror, but that doesn’t mean there are no more chances to improve the roster. As the dust settles from the draft, there is typically a second wave of free agent signings. These players aren’t as notable as the stars who signed in March, but relevant names remain available. Last season, used this period to sign Zay Jones, who went on to make the roster. Four years ago, they made James Conner an April signing.
Breaking down Arizona Cardinals' top remaining needs after NFL draft

2 weeks ago | sports.yahoo.com | Theo Mackie

The most important parts of the NFL offseason are in the rearview mirror, but that doesn’t mean there are no more chances to improve the roster. As the dust settles from the draft, there is typically a second wave of free agent signings. These players aren’t as notable as the stars who signed in March, but relevant names remain available. Last season, used this period to sign Zay Jones, who went on to make the roster. Four years ago, they made James Conner an April signing.
How did Arizona Cardinals do in the 2025 NFL draft? Grading each pick

2 weeks ago | azcentral.com | Theo Mackie

The most important portion of the NFL offseason is complete. In March, the Cardinals bolstered their roster with $178 million worth of free agent contracts. This week, they added to those moves with seven draft picks — one selection in each round. There are still potential additions to be made. A few notable veterans remain unsigned. But those two windows reflected the most significant opportunity for the Cardinals to overhaul the roster.
Which undrafted free agents have Arizona Cardinals signed? Tracking the moves

2 weeks ago | usatoday.com | Theo Mackie

The NFL draft is over but the Arizona Cardinals aren't done adding to their roster. After only making seven picks in the draft, they immediately turned to the undrafted free agent market. Here is the list of undrafted free agents that they have acquired:A three-star recruit in 2020, Fryar emerged as a key piece for Ohio State over his final two seasons, starting every game at right tackle. He has some explosive athletic traits, especially at 6 feet 4 inches, 318 pounds.
Cardinals draft tracker: Arizona drafts LB Cody Simon in fourth round

2 weeks ago | azcentral.com | Theo Mackie

The NFL draft wraps up Saturday, April 26, with the final four rounds. In the first three rounds of the draft, the Cardinals focused on defense. They drafted defensive tackle Walter Nolen, cornerback Will Johnson and edge rusher Jordan Burch. Look back at our live NFL Draft 2025 updates for pick-by-pick news, notes, analysis and reaction, including¬†what happened with the Arizona Cardinals, who made one pick in the second round and one pick in the third round on Friday, April 25.
Needs for Arizona Cardinals to address on Day 3 of 2025 NFL Draft

2 weeks ago | azcentral.com | Theo Mackie

For the Arizona Cardinals, the first two days of the NFL draft brought defense, defense and more defense. First came Walter Nolen, then Will Johnson, then Jordan Burch. With those picks, the Cardinals addressed concerns at defensive tackle, cornerback and edge. They’re one of just five teams thus far to use every pick on defense. It’s little surprise, then, that their top remaining needs are on the other side of the ball — a unit that was also largely untouched in free agency.