The Arizona Cardinals have released nose tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, a move that will save the team $9.4 million in salary cap space while resulting in a $6.8 million dead cap hit, according to overthecap.com. Tomlinson, who joined the Cardinals as a free agent last offseason, started all 17 games during his tenure with the team. He recorded 26 tackles, three tackles for loss, and one sack while primarily serving as a blocker on defense.
With Tomlinson’s departure, the Cardinals are expected to rely on former first-round picks Walter Nolen III and Darius Robinson for improved performance and health. Dante Stills remains on the roster, and there is potential for veterans Calais Campbell—if he decides not to retire—and L.J. Collier to return.
Tomlinson is the second defensive lineman released by Arizona in consecutive days; Bilal Nichols was cut on Thursday.
In addition to changes among players, the Cardinals are reportedly hiring veteran coach Teryl Austin as a senior defensive assistant coach. Austin previously coached defensive backs for Arizona from 2007-2010, including during their Super Bowl appearance. He has also served as defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Arizona Cardinals play their home games in Glendale and serve the greater Phoenix area as part of the NFC West division. The franchise is recognized as the oldest continuously operating professional football team in the United States and captured an NFC championship in 2008 (https://www.azcardinals.com/).