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The Arizona Cardinals have made several moves in free agency so far. They have addressed many positions. While their moves might not be completely done, we know more or less what each position looks like.
The big question is: are the Cardinals are better as a result of the moves?
Over the next several articles, we will look at each position group and take a look at which players are not returning and who is new to determine whether they have improved at the position or not.
Let's take a look at inside linebacker.
Gone:
Davis-Gaither was released and ha since signed with the Indianapolis Colts. He played in all 17 games and had a career-high 117 tackles. He led the Cardinals with 20 total special teams tackles.
Tindall signed with the Atlanta Falcons.
Russell is unsigned. He didn't play last season, spending the year on injured reserve after suffering a scary neck injury in training camp.
Returning:
Wilson ended the season on injured reserve with a rib injury. Keys was a late-season addition and didn't play for the Cardinals. He was claimed off waivers but did not play in the final game of the season.
New additions:
Gibbens, previously playing for the Houston Texans and New England Patriots, signed a two-year deal worth more than $7 million. He played in all 17 games, starting eight and he played a lot on special teams.
Possibly, but they might be the same, but for less money
Wilson returns, after starting the final nine games, all losses, now will have to compete for a role on the defense. Gibbens presumably projects as the guy playing where Davis-Gaither played, both on defense and special teams.
Davis-Gaither was more productive than Gibbens last season, but Gibbens is bigger and should be a better tackler.
With Gibbens and ideally Simon being better in Year 2, and will a healthy Wilson hopefully the whole season, this group should be better.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals offseason moves: Are they better at inside linebacker?
Continue reading...
The big question is: are the Cardinals are better as a result of the moves?
Over the next several articles, we will look at each position group and take a look at which players are not returning and who is new to determine whether they have improved at the position or not.
Let's take a look at inside linebacker.
2026 Cardinals offseason moves at inside linebacker
Gone:
- Akeem Davis-Gaither
- Channing Tindall
- J.J. Russell
Davis-Gaither was released and ha since signed with the Indianapolis Colts. He played in all 17 games and had a career-high 117 tackles. He led the Cardinals with 20 total special teams tackles.
Tindall signed with the Atlanta Falcons.
Russell is unsigned. He didn't play last season, spending the year on injured reserve after suffering a scary neck injury in training camp.
Returning:
- Mack Wilson
- Cody Simon
- Owen Pappoe
- Austin Keys
Wilson ended the season on injured reserve with a rib injury. Keys was a late-season addition and didn't play for the Cardinals. He was claimed off waivers but did not play in the final game of the season.
New additions:
- Jack Gibbens
Gibbens, previously playing for the Houston Texans and New England Patriots, signed a two-year deal worth more than $7 million. He played in all 17 games, starting eight and he played a lot on special teams.
Are the Cardinals better at inside linebacker?
Possibly, but they might be the same, but for less money
Wilson returns, after starting the final nine games, all losses, now will have to compete for a role on the defense. Gibbens presumably projects as the guy playing where Davis-Gaither played, both on defense and special teams.
Davis-Gaither was more productive than Gibbens last season, but Gibbens is bigger and should be a better tackler.
With Gibbens and ideally Simon being better in Year 2, and will a healthy Wilson hopefully the whole season, this group should be better.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals offseason moves: Are they better at inside linebacker?
Continue reading...
