The Arizona Cardinals have released linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither and defensive lineman Bilal Nichols, moves that will free up approximately $11 million in salary cap space according to overthecap.com. The decisions come as the team prepares for the start of NFL free agency and the new league year on March 11.
Davis-Gaither joined the Cardinals as a free agent before last season. He played in all 17 games, starting 13, and recorded 117 tackles along with an interception, a forced fumble, two tackles for loss, and five pass breakups. Despite playing 68 percent of the defensive snaps—by far the most in his career—the team determined he did not reach their expected performance level.
Nichols also signed as a free agent prior to the 2024 season but struggled with injuries during his time in Arizona. Over two seasons, he appeared in only 10 games and made 13 tackles with one tackle-for-loss. This was a significant drop from his previous six seasons in which he played at least 13 games each year, including three consecutive seasons without missing a game before joining the Cardinals.
The Cardinals can continue making roster changes, such as additional releases or contract extensions, ahead of next week’s league business window. Teams are permitted to begin negotiations with potential free agents from other teams starting Monday at 1 p.m. Arizona time, although contracts cannot be finalized until Wednesday.
The Arizona Cardinals play their home games in Glendale, Arizona and serve the greater Phoenix area (official website). They compete in the NFC West division and are recognized as the oldest continuously operating professional football franchise in the United States (official website). The team captured an NFC championship in 2008 (official website).
Meanwhile, quarterback Kyler Murray is eligible to be released at the same time when official free agent signings can take place.