As the Arizona Cardinals embark on a new year, it’s an excellent time to reflect on some of the most pivotal January moves the team has made since 2000. Whether through acquisitions, coaching changes, or player transactions, these moves have had a lasting impact on the franchise’s direction and performance. Here are some of the most significant moves in the history of the franchise during the first month of the year.
### 1. **Hiring Ken Whisenhunt as Head Coach (2007)**
Perhaps one of the most important decisions in franchise history came in January 2007, when the Arizona Cardinals hired Ken Whisenhunt as their head coach. Whisenhunt, a former offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, brought a new energy to the team. Under his leadership, the Cardinals made a historic run to the Super Bowl XLIII in 2008. The hiring of Whisenhunt was a turning point, marking the beginning of the team’s most successful era in recent history.
### 2. **Trading for QB Josh McCown (2002)**
In January 2002, the Arizona Cardinals made a significant trade with the Oakland Raiders to acquire quarterback Josh McCown. McCown’s arrival provided much-needed competition for incumbent starting quarterback Jake Plummer. McCown’s play, which featured both good moments and inconsistency, would be part of the Cardinals’ quarterback carousel for several years. While McCown didn’t become a long-term starter for the team, his acquisition signaled the Cardinals’ search for stability at the position.
### 3. **Hiring Bruce Arians as Head Coach (2013)**
In January 2013, the Arizona Cardinals made a bold move by hiring Bruce Arians as their new head coach. Arians, who had previously served as the Indianapolis Colts’ interim head coach, was brought in to turn around a team that had faltered after the retirement of Whisenhunt. Under Arians, the Cardinals became known for their high-powered offense and aggressive defense. Arians led the team to the NFC Championship Game in 2015 and made the Cardinals a perennial playoff contender.
### 4. **Signing WR Larry Fitzgerald to a Contract Extension (2011)**
Larry Fitzgerald, one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history, has been the face of the Arizona Cardinals for nearly two decades. In January 2011, Fitzgerald signed a massive contract extension with the team, locking him in for the foreseeable future. This extension solidified his place as the cornerstone of the franchise and ensured that the Cardinals would continue to have one of the most dynamic wide receivers in the NFL on their roster. Fitzgerald’s loyalty and leadership have been integral to the team’s success over the years.
### 5. **Trading for QB Carson Palmer (2013)**
In a stunning move in January 2013, the Arizona Cardinals traded for former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer. Palmer, who had been a Pro Bowler in the past, was brought in to address the team’s struggles at the quarterback position. His leadership and experience were key to the team’s success under Bruce Arians, culminating in a 2015 NFC Championship appearance. Palmer’s tenure with the Cardinals marked one of the more successful quarterback eras in franchise history.
### 6. **Signing CB Antonio Cromartie (2014)**
In January 2014, the Arizona Cardinals bolstered their defense by signing veteran cornerback Antonio Cromartie. Known for his playmaking ability, Cromartie added depth and talent to a defense that had already been one of the league’s best. The move paid dividends as Cromartie’s experience helped mentor young players in the secondary, and the defense became one of the top units in the league during the 2014 season. Cromartie’s leadership and contributions were important in helping the team reach the playoffs that year.
### 7. **Acquiring DE J.J. Watt (2021)**
One of the most high-profile signings in recent years came in January 2021 when the Arizona Cardinals made the splash move of signing former Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt. The addition of Watt was seen as a huge boost to the Cardinals’ defense, giving them an elite pass rusher and an experienced leader. Watt’s presence on the field and in the locker room was expected to make an immediate impact on the team’s defensive line, and his acquisition raised expectations for the Cardinals in the coming seasons.
**Trading for RB Chris Johnson (2014)**
In January 2014, the Cardinals pulled off a surprising move when they acquired running back Chris “CJ2K” Johnson from the Tennessee Titans. Johnson, known for his blazing speed and record-setting seasons, was brought in to provide a dynamic element to the team’s offense. While Johnson didn’t reach the same heights he had with the Titans, his time with the Cardinals helped add another dimension to their offense, and he played a role in the team’s deep playoff run in 2014.
**Firing Head Coach Steve Wilks (2019)**
Sometimes, the most important moves are the ones that mark the end of an era. In January 2019, the Arizona Cardinals made the difficult decision to fire head coach Steve Wilks after just one season. While Wilks was unable to turn the team’s fortunes around, this move allowed the Cardinals to shift their focus to a new direction under head coach Kliff Kingsbury. While the decision to fire Wilks was controversial at the time, it ultimately led to a new chapter for the team.
### 10. **Drafting QB Kyler Murray (2019)**
While the drafting of Kyler Murray didn’t take place in January, it was a move that began to take shape in January 2019. As the team’s coaching search began, it became clear that the Cardinals were focused on selecting Murray with the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. The acquisition of Murray has proven to be one of the most significant decisions in recent history, as the young quarterback brought new hope and excitement to the franchise. Murray’s playmaking ability and leadership have quickly established him as the future of the Cardinals’ offense.
### Conclusion
The Arizona Cardinals have made several key moves in the month of January over the years, from hiring impactful coaches to making trades and acquiring game-changing players. These decisions have shaped the course of the franchise and have often signaled a turning point in the team’s fortunes. With each new year, the Cardinals continue to evolve, and the January moves of the past serve as a testament to their efforts to build a championship-caliber te
