Cardinals Move On From Tomlinson, Rely on Draft Picks

0:00With the NFL today, March 6th, the Arizona Cardinals are moving on from defensive tackle Daven Tomlinson after just one season. Signed to bolster their improving defense, he ended up as more of a cap hit than a contributor, playing all 17 games with only one sack and 26 tackles. This released clear space as the team eyes changes ahead of free agency. Earlier this week, the move came amid broader struggles on the defensive line under head coach Mati Austinfort. The Cardinals have poured money into free agents over the past three years, from Carlos Watkins and L.J. Collier in 2023 to Justin. Jones and Bilal Nichols last year, and Tomlinson this season, yet most have underperformed badly. Fans and analysts see this as a needed reset, especially with defensive coordinator Nick Rallis staying put. The front now relies on draft picks like Walter Nolan, Darius Robinson, Dante Stills and Zachary Carter before free agency hits. It's a thin group, but one with potential to grow. Looking at the numbers, it's stark.

1:04Those free agent signings combined for just 54 gains, 87 tackles, and 5.5 sacks. Watkins barely played, Collier bounced on short deals, and others like Nichols and Jones saw minimal action. Now all eyes are on those young draft picks to step up and deliver impact. If they do, it could turn around a line that's cost a ton with little returns so far. Quick thanks to today's sponsor. See the description for more. A pillow that sounds as good as it feels. Built for listening in bed, S-O-L-L-I-H-O-L-I-SoliPillo.com