Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals punter Blake Gillikin (12) looks on before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Cardinals Re-Sign One of NFL's Best Punters

Originally posted on Arizona Cardinals on SI
By Donnie Druin | Last updated Mar 8, 2026 5:11 PM ET

The Arizona Cardinals are bringing back one of the league's top punters.

According to NFL insider Mike Garafolo, Blake Gillikin is re-signing with the Cardinals on a one-year deal worth up to $2.65 million.

First the kicker, now the punter for the #AZCardinals: Blake Gillikin has agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $2.65M, his agents at @LIFTSPORTSMNGMT tell The Insiders. He missed 12 games with a back injury last season but is healthy now and Arizona moves to retain him ahead of… pic.twitter.com/WtKQziB1zq
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 8, 2026

Gillikin has been one of the NFL's more underrated punters since arriving to Arizona in 2023. His punting average of 51.7 yards per boot was tied atop the NFL in 2025, though like Garafolo highlights in his post — Gillikin missed 12 games with a back injury.

This was one of many moves done by the Cardinals today, also re-signing kicker Chad Ryland while restructuring contracts to running back James Conner and cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting.

It's been a busy day for Arizona ahead of the league's unofficial start to free agency on March 9.

Arizona's special teams unit was all over the place in 2025, as truly no unit was on par under prior coordinator Jeff Rodgers guidance.

Rodgers was fired and eventually replaced with new special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial, which was part of the major changes seen under new head coach Mike LaFleur.

Yet Arizona's clearly confident in their personnel, bringing Gillikin and Prater back on that phase of the ball.

This article first appeared on Arizona Cardinals on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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