The Arizona Cardinals are gearing up for the 2026 NFL season, and cornerbacks Denzel Burke and Will Johnson are poised to take on significant responsibilities following recent roster changes. The duo witnessed the departure of several teammates during the cutdown to the 53-man roster, most notably the release of veteran defensive back Sean Murphy-Bunting, a Super Bowl champion.
Murphy-Bunting, who faced injuries last season, has since signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad. Meanwhile, Garrett Williams, another defensive back who struggled with injuries, is expected to return to the field, likely playing the nickel back position alongside Johnson. Burke will also be in the mix, joining safeties Andrew Wingard and Buddy Baker to form a restructured secondary.
Both Burke and Johnson entered the NFL with high expectations, having excelled in college football. Johnson, a standout from the University of Michigan, recorded 10 pass deflections in his rookie season. Burke, who made a name for himself at Ohio State, had a slightly more productive year with 11 pass deflections and 49 tackles. However, their contributions were not enough to lift a Cardinals defense that struggled throughout the previous season.
Head coach Mike LaFleur, while primarily focused on developing the team’s offense, recognizes the critical role of the defense in ensuring the team's success. The Cardinals will need a cohesive effort from their defensive unit, particularly from younger players like Burke and Johnson, as they look to improve on last year's performance.
Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis is tasked with revitalizing the pass rush, which could open up more opportunities for Burke and Johnson to showcase their skills in man coverage. While the Cardinals may not have the ideal personnel to completely shut down opposing offenses, creating turnovers will be essential for their defensive strategy moving forward.
LaFleur is optimistic that Burke and Johnson are well-positioned to demonstrate their potential in their second NFL season. The upcoming months will be crucial for their development and the overall effectiveness of the Cardinals defense as they aim to ascend in 2026.
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