Arizona Cardinals training camp: CB battle is one to watch
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Arizona Cardinals training camp: CB battle is one to watch
Jess Root, Cardinals Wire·Cardinals Wire
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2 min read
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TheArizona Cardinalsreported to training camp on Wednesday. They had their first practice on Thursday and fans will get to see practice for the first time on Friday.
The Cardinals have many important position battles to watch. One is at cornerback.
On one side, 2025 second-round pickWill Johnsonpresumably is pretty locked in as a starter. At the nickel corner spot, Sean Murphy-Bunting is the guy untilGarrett Williamsis back from his torn Achilles.
But at the second boundary corner starting job, there are three players with a real shot at the job.
The first is 2025 fifth-round pick Denzel Burke, who ended up starting eight games, picking off three passes and breaking up 11. He and Johnson were the only players to reach double digits in pass breakups. Burke led the team.
But Star Thomas returns after missing last season with a torn ACL. It will be tempting for defensive coordinator Nick Rallis to go with him because he is reliable and started 15 games in 2024. However, he has no interceptions and his career total of 11 pass breakups equals Burke's production last season.
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Max Melton was a second-round pick in 2024 and appeared to fall out of favor at the end of last season. He had to deal with injuries, but he was out of the defensive rotation by the end of the season. This training camp is going to be critical for his career.
Now, Rallis has been more than willing to use multiple players in a boundary role, rotating players. He did with Melton, Murphy-Bunting and Thomas, playing all three in two positions.
Training camp and the preseason will be very intriguing watching them battle the Cardinals receivers and the opponents in the preseason.
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Isaiah Adams (74) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Oli Udoh (68) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) prepares to take the snap from offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72) alongside Isaac Seumalo (73) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Tyler Allgeier (22) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72) and quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love (4) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur speaks to the media during a training camp press conference at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. on July 23, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic, Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) throws a pass during a training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 23, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic, Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins (84) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins (84) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight (20) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (33) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (33) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kedon Slovis (12) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Wydett Williams Jr. (31) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
1/19
Arizona Cardinals training camp: OL Isaiah Adams holding onto starting job
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Isaiah Adams (74) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
1/19
Arizona Cardinals training camp: OL Isaiah Adams holding onto starting job
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Isaiah Adams (74) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
2/19
Arizona Cardinals training camp: Photos from Thursday's opening practice
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Oli Udoh (68) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
3/19
Arizona Cardinals training camp: Photos from Thursday's opening practice
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) prepares to take the snap from offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72) alongside Isaac Seumalo (73) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
4/19
No bad blood between Tyler Allgeier and Jeremiyah Love
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Tyler Allgeier (22) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
5/19
Arizona Cardinals training camp: Photos from Thursday's opening practice
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
6/19
Arizona Cardinals training camp: Photos from Thursday's opening practice
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
7/19
Arizona Cardinals training camp: Photos from Thursday's opening practice
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
8/19
Arizona Cardinals training camp: Observations from Tuesday's practice
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72) and quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
9/19
Breaking News: Arizona Cardinals RB Jeremiyah Love admits he’s a rookie
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love (4) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
10/19
Arizona Cardinals training camp: Photos from Thursday's opening practice
Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur speaks to the media during a training camp press conference at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. on July 23, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic, Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
11/19
Jacoby Brissett contract: Unknown details still to come
Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) throws a pass during a training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 23, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic, Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
12/19
Trey McBride will be top TE in 'NFL Top 100'
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
13/19
Arizona Cardinals training camp: Photos from Thursday's opening practice
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins (84) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
14/19
Arizona Cardinals training camp: Photos from Thursday's opening practice
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins (84) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
15/19
Arizona Cardinals training camp: Photos from Thursday's opening practice
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight (20) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
16/19
Trey Benson injury: Arizona Cardinals RB might not play in Hall of Fame Game
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (33) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
17/19
Arizona Cardinals training camp: RB Trey Benson is on notice
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (33) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
18/19
Arizona Cardinals training camp: Photos from Thursday's opening practice
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kedon Slovis (12) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
19/19
Arizona Cardinals training camp: Photos from Thursday's opening practice
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Wydett Williams Jr. (31) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
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