Cardinals release newly-signed edge rusher

The Cardinals made the move to sign Haynes after starting OLB BJ Ojulari suffered an ACL tear during training camp last week. The team subsequently placed Ojulari on the injured reserve list Monday , opening a roster spot after coach Jonathan Gannon said the second-year LSU product would miss the entire 2024 season.

After playing collegiately at Ole Miss, the 6-foot-2, 235-pound Haynes was drafted in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers and remained in Carolina until last season, appearing in 71 games (only two starts) and recording 99 career tackles and 14 sacks. Haynes, 30, had been an unrestricted free agent since March.

In Arizona’s first official depth chart of the 2024 preseason , Dennis Gardeck and Zaven Collins were the team’s two starting outside linebackers with Jesse Luketa and Victor Dimukeje as the top backups.

These players along with the rest of the outside linebacker group, which includes rookie Xavier Thomas, as well as Tyreke Smith and Cam Thomas, should get plenty of reps in the preseason to prove themselves in the wake of Ojulari’s injury. The Cardinals could also make another signing at the spot. They reportedly hosted free agent defensive end Carl Lawson for a tryout Wednesday. 

The Cardinals begin the preseason tomorrow night at home against the New Orleans Saints.

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