Cardinals release two defensive starters from 2025

Cardinals announce the release of Davis-Gaither and Nichols:

Nichols signed with the Arizona during the 2024 offseason on a three-year, $21 million deal. The 29-year-old only ended up playing 10 games over two seasons, essentially being paid $2 million per game. In those limited snaps, Nichols recorded 13 tackles, zero sacks and one tackle for loss. He was brought in to improve the run defense and failed to achieve that during his time in the Valley.

Davis-Gaither signed last offseason to a two-year, $10 million deal. The 28-year-old was much more productive during his snaps, appearing in all 17 games and recording one interception, 117 tackles and two tackles for loss. His coverage defense is what left more to be desired, having a Pro Football Focus grade of 49.9, ranking 71st out of 88 linebackers.

The injury to starter LB Mack Wilson Sr. thrusted Davis Gaither into a more prominent role and had meddling results. The Cardinals likely aren’t done when it comes to cutting players ahead of free agency, as they look to be big spenders to bring in free agents.