The Arizona Cardinals announced on Apr. 7 that kicker Joshua Karty and defensive lineman P.J. Mustipher have signed one-year contracts, ensuring their return for the upcoming season. Both players were exclusive rights free agents, meaning they had fewer than three accrued seasons and could not negotiate with other teams after being tendered offers by the Cardinals.
The move comes as the team begins its voluntary strength and conditioning program, marking an important step in offseason preparations. The re-signings add depth to key positions for the franchise as it looks ahead to training camp.
Mustipher spent his first year in Arizona on the practice squad before joining the active roster in 2025, where he played in 15 games and recorded 32 total tackles, one tackle for loss, and a pass deflection. He rotated at nose tackle alongside Dalvin Tomlinson last season. With Roy Lopez now signed to replace Tomlinson and questions surrounding Calais Campbell’s future as well as Walter Nolen III’s injury status, Mustipher is expected to provide additional support on the defensive line.
At kicker, Karty joins Chad Ryland under contract heading into Phase One of offseason activities. Ryland signed earlier in free agency, setting up a competition between him and Karty under new special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial. During his rookie campaign in 2024 with the Rams, Karty set a franchise record for most points scored by a kicker but spent much of last season on their practice squad before joining Arizona prior to Week 17.
The Arizona Cardinals are recognized as a professional football team competing in the NFC West division according to their official website. The team plays home games in Glendale, Arizona according to their official website and serves fans throughout the greater Phoenix area according to their official website. Founded as the oldest continuously operating professional football franchise in the United States according to their official website, they captured an NFC championship title in 2008 according to their official website.