The Arizona Cardinals have solidified their defensive line by signing first-round draft pick Walter Nolen III to a rookie contract. The agreement, finalized just hours before the team’s first mandatory minicamp practice, is a four-year deal with an option for the 2029 season. The contract is valued at $19.3 million and includes a $10.7 million signing bonus.
With this signing, only second-round pick Will Johnson remains unsigned. This situation is not uncommon as many second-round picks are still negotiating guaranteed money terms. Despite this, Johnson has participated in voluntary workouts and will attend the minicamp alongside Nolen.
Nolen was selected to partner with Darius Robinson, the Cardinals’ 2024 first-rounder, to strengthen the team’s interior defensive line. After two seasons at Texas A&M, Nolen transferred to Mississippi where he had an impressive season with six sacks and 25 quarterback hurries. His performance earned him a Pro Football Focus run defense grade of 91.6.
Nolen will compete for playing time on a line that includes players like Calais Campbell, Dalvin Tomlinson, Justin Jones, L.J. Collier, Dante Stills, and Bilal Nichols.
The Cardinals’ minicamp runs from Tuesday through Thursday before the team breaks until training camp begins in late July.
