The Los Angeles Rams made a splash in the offseason by trading for Myles Garrett, adding one of the league's premier pass rushers to a defensive front that already features Aaron Donald. Yet Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson isn't fazed. Speaking on June 10, 2026, Wilson made it clear that despite the Rams' blockbuster trade, they still have to contend with the Cardinals to win the NFC West.
Wilson's confident assertion -- "They gotta deal with us" -- underscores the Cardinals' belief that their 2025 division-winning campaign was no fluke and that they remain a formidable contender in the division despite Los Angeles strengthening their roster.
Context Matters: Wilson's Confidence is Grounded
While bold offseason declarations are common among NFL players before the pads come on, Wilson's comments carry weight given Arizona's roster and coaching continuity. The Cardinals enter 2026 with a core largely intact from their successful 2025 squad, led by Head Coach Mike LaFleur and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis. Arizona's defense held opponents to under 22 points per game last season, aided by the offseason addition of edge rusher Josh Sweat to complement Zaven Collins and Garrett Williams.
The Rams' acquisition of Myles Garrett undoubtedly shifts the defensive landscape. Garrett's presence demands constant attention, easing pressure on secondary players and allowing the Rams' defense to better cover explosive offensive threats. Yet Wilson's point is clear: Garrett cannot play quarterback, catch passes, or carry the run game. The game is won in teams and depth, not on the shoulders of a single star, no matter how talented.
Historical Lessons: The Risks of Mortgaging the Future
Wilson's remarks implicitly contrast the Cardinals' patient roster-building approach with the Rams' aggressive moves. The 2026 Rams' trade for Garrett cost significant draft capital and salary cap flexibility, signaling a "win-now" approach akin to when Los Angeles traded for Matthew Stafford before their 2021 Super Bowl run. That blueprint has its perils; in 2022, the Rams struggled with injuries and depth issues after their championship run, falling to a 5-12 record.
Arizona General Manager Monti Ossenfort retained draft picks, cap space, and flexibility, positioning the Cardinals with $35.14 million in cap room as of this offseason -- notably more than the Rams, who have maxed out their salary cap. This financial flexibility allows the Cardinals to build both for immediate success and sustained competitiveness.
The Cardinals Roster: Strength Beyond Headlines
Wilson's confidence is backed by tangible roster strengths. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett completed 315 of 485 passes for 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions last season, posting efficient, winning numbers even if not elite. Trey McBride's breakout 2025 campaign featured 126 receptions for 1,239 yards and 11 touchdowns -- an All-Pro level performance establishing him as the division's premier tight end and arguably the best receiving weapon aside from elite players like Cooper Kupp.
Rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. showed flashes with 41 catches for 608 yards and four scores in only 12 games, promising a potential 1,000-yard season in 2026 with continued health and development. The Cardinals' backfield has James Conner as the lead runner with Trey Benson providing change-of-pace support and first-round rookie Jeremiyah Love adding versatility.
Defensively, additions like Josh Sweat and Baron Browning bolster a talented group anchored by Zaven Collins. The cornerback duo of Garrett Williams and Max Melton is capable of locking down dynamic receivers like Puka Nacua and Deebo Samuel, while Budda Baker continues to lead a strong secondary.
NFC West Dynamics: A Grueling Path to the Title
Winning the NFC West requires triumphing over the Rams, 49ers, and Seahawks twice each -- six division games that constitute over a third of the schedule. The Rams' Garrett addition and the 49ers' emerging quarterback Brock Purdy have ratcheted up the competition, while the Seahawks remain in flux.
Wilson's message is simple: the Cardinals survived this gauntlet last year and can do it again. His belief is rooted not only in roster talent but in defensive scheming that pressures opponents in creative ways and offensive versatility that can neutralize impact rushers like Garrett.
Why Wilson's June Declaration Matters
While quotes made during offseason periods can quickly fade, Wilson's statement helps shape the narrative early for the Cardinals. The Rams' high-profile Garrett trade dominated headlines, but Arizona's more restrained offseason moves and continued development is a compelling story of organizational patience and depth-building.
For the Cardinals' locker room, front office, and fan base, Wilson's words embody a confident rejection of the notion that the Rams have leapfrogged them. The Cardinals see themselves as the division team to beat, a group built not on star power alone but on a balanced roster and sustainable strategy.
The Verdict: Cardinals Are Poised for Another NFC West Title Run
The Rams have undeniably improved, but the difference last season between the two teams was not a single player. It was durability, depth, and consistent quarterback play. The Rams rely heavily on Matthew Stafford, who will be entering the twilight of his career at age 38 next season and face increasing injury risk.
By contrast, the Cardinals have a younger roster with greater cap flexibility, coaching continuity, and an adaptable offensive scheme run by Mike LaFleur. Nick Rallis's defense blitzes from all angles, maintaining unpredictability and pressure.
The Cardinals' formula -- building a complete team rather than relying on one superstar -- points to them repeating as NFC West champions in 2026. Mack Wilson's declaration that the Rams "gotta deal with us" is more than offseason bravado; it sums up Arizona's confidence and readiness to defend its crown in a tough division.
Arizona is not going anywhere. The Rams will indeed have to go through the desert if they want to win the NFC West.