Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, signed to a two-year, $29 million deal last March, is a notable candidate. His production dipped in 2025 (18 QB hits in 2024 down to three in 2025) despite starting all 17 games. He is scheduled for a $12.1 million salary in 2026 with a $16.2 million cap hit, making him a high-cost, aging option in a retooling phase. Cutting him in March would save $9.4 million in cap space, while a post-June 1 cut would save $14.5 million spread across two seasons.
Beyond Tomlinson, the Cardinals’ cap-cutting considerations include four other moves that could free at least $5 million each. Running back James Conner, due $9.83 million, could save $7.58 million by release if medical rehab and performance considerations align with the team’s direction. Quarterback Kyler Murray presents a unique cap-relief path: trading him before March 15 (when 2027 guarantees kick in) could free $34.7 million. Cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting, who did not play in 2025, could be released to save $7.425 million, and defensive lineman Bilal Nichols, signed for $21 million in 2024, could be cut to save $5.805 million.
As the Cardinals rebuild, general manager Monti Ossenfort can leverage this transitional window to move from underperforming or high-cost contracts while preserving future flexibility. Once a stable quarterback plan is established, the team could become a more aggressive spender with newly optimized cap space, aligning roster moves with long-term strategic goals. This approach underscores a measured path: prune the contracts that hinder cap efficiency now to accelerate a more competitive window in the years ahead.
