Cardinals sign two-time Pro Bowl safety T.J. Ward

For the first time since the 2017 season, safety T.J. Ward has an NFL home. 

The Arizona Cardinals confirmed the signing of the 33-year-old to their practice squad on Thursday. Offensive lineman Rick Leonard was released from the practice squad in a corresponding roster move. 

Ward earned his first Pro Bowl nod in 2013 while with the Cleveland Browns and then repeated as a Pro Bowl safety the subsequent year playing for the Denver Broncos. He was part of the Broncos squad that defeated the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50. 

Ward made 12 appearances for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2017 but hasn't played in the league since. From 2010 through 2017, he tallied eight interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 8.5 sacks and 45 passes defended. 

As noted by Josh Weinfuss of ESPN, Ward serves as cover for Arizona safeties Jalen Thompson, Budda Baker and Chris Banjo, who are all carrying injuries at the start of October.