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Cardinals lose defensive depth, DT Leki Fotu plans to sign with Jets

Originally posted on Burn City Sports | By Alec Cipollini | Last updated 3/12/24

After a storm of defensive moves on Monday to begin their NFL Free Agency havoc, a noteable piece of the Arizona Cardinals’ roster last year is on the move elsewhere.

According to SNY NFL reporter Connor Hughes, he revealed defensive tackle Leki Fotu is heading to the New York Jets.

“The Jets are signing Cardinals DT Leki Fotu, per sources,” Hughes said.

BREAKING: The #Jets are signing #Cardinals DT Leki Fotu, per sources

— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) March 12, 2024

Out of the University of Utah, Fotu was a fourth-round (114th overall) pick by the Cardinals in the 2020 NFL Draft.

So far, Arizona has been the only home he has known in the NFL after spending the past four seasons (2020-2023) here in the Valley.

As a Cardinal, the California native played 56 games (21 starts), grabbed 89 tackles, 3.5 sacks, defended three passes and forced a fumble.

Last year, Fotu would play just 11 games after missing five due to suffering a hand injury, landing on Injured Reserve and recovering. He did return for the final game of the Cardinals’ 2023 season, a 21-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

With the signings of Belal Nichols and Justin Jones, Arizona added to their defensive line depth even though Fotu has presumably now chosen to take upon another challenge in New York.

At the time of reporting, the contract specifications of Fotu’s deal have not been released.