The Arizona Cardinals kick off their 2025 minicamp with Walter Nolen signing his rookie deal and Kyler Murray praising the new defense. Get the latest news.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The Arizona Cardinals kicked off their mandatory minicamp in Tempe on Tuesday with a bang, locking up their top draft pick and showcasing a unified front with perfect attendance. First-round pick Walter Nolen inked his rookie deal just in time to hit the field, while quarterback Kyler Murray expressed palpable optimism about the team's revamped defense, setting a tone of high expectations for the 2025 season.
We're turning the desert into a gridiron fortress this season.
The ink is dry on Walter Nolen's future in Arizona. The 16th overall pick signed his four-year, $19.3 million contract, which includes a healthy $10.7 million guaranteed. Fresh off a first-team All-SEC season at Ole Miss where he racked up 48 tackles and 6.5 sacks, Nolen is expected to be a disruptive force. His signing directly addresses Head Coach Jonathan Gannon's stated priority: controlling the line of scrimmage. Nolen's arrival injects immediate talent into a defensive front that is being completely overhauled.
In a strong signal of team-wide buy-in, Coach Gannon confirmed 100% attendance on day one of the three-day mandatory minicamp. While the intensity is high, the team is being smart. Key veterans like Josh Sweat, Dalvin Tomlinson, Zay Jones, Justin Jones, and Will Johnson were limited participants as the coaching staff takes a cautious approach to their health. Gannon reminded everyone that the true evaluation of the big men on both sides of the ball won't happen until the pads come on in late July, but the work being put in now is crucial for building chemistry and installing the playbook.
It wasn't just the coaches expressing confidence. Quarterback Kyler Murray, speaking to the media, radiated renewed hope. He praised the front office's offseason moves, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Murray's declaration that the team aims to turn the 'desert into a gridiron fortress' captured the feeling of the day. For a quarterback who has often had to carry the team, the prospect of a formidable defense clearly has him energized for a potential triumphant season.
With two more days of minicamp before a month-long break, the Cardinals are laying the groundwork for what they hope is a major step forward. The real test comes in late July when training camp begins and the pads come on. Mark your calendars for the first taste of live action on August 9th for the preseason opener. For now, the vibes in Tempe are optimistic, and the foundation is being set.
