Pleasant’s candidacy has also drawn interest from the Cleveland Browns, who opened their DC vacancy after Jim Schwartz resigned in the wake of Todd Monken’s hire. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Pleasant will interview with Cleveland as part of their search.
If the Cardinals ultimately pursue Pleasant, it could complicate the Browns’ pursuit given Cleveland’s defensive talent, headlined by Myles Garrett, who set the NFL single-season sacks record in 2025. Arizona, however, may have a compelling pitch tied to the head coach and staff openings.
Pleasant’s link to the Cardinals runs through head coach Mike LaFleur, with the two spending the past three seasons on the Rams’ staff. The Cardinals would view Pleasant as a potential defensive coordinator and, if promoted, could consider him for an assistant head coach role as well, leveraging his experience alongside Don Shula’s defensive framework.
The fit could be appealing for Pleasant because LaFleur and his staff can lean on offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett’s perspective and continuity. Hackett’s varied NFL experience—despite a difficult head-coaching stint—offers a practical, broad view that could complement the defensive perspective Pleasant would bring.
Arizona’s defense already shows strong potential under GM Monti Ossenfort’s plan, with a young cornerback group featuring Garrett Williams, Max Melton, and Will Johnson, plus Budda Baker at safety and Dadrion Taylor-Demerson as a potential free safety option if Jalen Thompson departs. Josh Sweat’s presence as a proven pass rusher and 2025 first-rounder Walter Nolen III’s potential impact add to the unit’s upside, though health remains a key variable.
With talent in place and the defensive-coordinator decision looming, the Cardinals’ offseason hinges on choosing the right architect to maximize their personnel. The next few days should reveal whether Pleasant or Bullen emerges as the favored leader of Arizona’s defense in 2026.
