The staff decided on Mustipher’s playing weight to be around 320 to 325 pounds. He said he was down 40 pounds this offseason after ending the 2024 campaign around 350 pounds. Mustipher finished the preseason game against the Broncos with six tackles, most among defensive linemen.
“(The coaching staff) has belief in me enough to keep me here all year long to develop me and sign me to a futures deal as well, so I’m going to buy into what you guys have to say and trust it,” Mustipher said. “And then I’m going to just take off from there. I’m trusting them because they trusted me.”
The irony of discussing weight with Mustipher is that in high school, the high school wrestling coach bribed the football/basketball player with a box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts if he tried out for the sport. Mustipher would go on to become a two-time state wrestling champion in Maryland.
Gannon mentioned that Mustipher has “set himself up to have the best camp that he could have.” His versatility is valued by the staff.
“He’s a big, violent, physical guy,” Gannon said. “Big men like that don’t grow on trees.”
When GM Monti Ossenfort must cut the roster down to 53 next week, eyes will be on the defensive line room. Players like Dalvin Tomlinson, Calais Campbell, Darius Robinson, Walter Nolen III (when healthy), and Dante Stills will have a role on the team.
That leaves players like Mustipher, Justin Jones, L.J. Collier, Elijah Simmons, Anthony Goodlow, and others competing for a spot on the roster. Because of the way the Cardinals structure practices, the third-year defensive lineman believes he has had an opportunity to showcase his ability.
Ahead of the final preseason game against the Raiders, Mustipher is looking to create some fireworks and crack the final list.
“All the way down to the threes, you’re getting the same amount of reps as everybody, so since OTAs, I’ve gotten a bunch of reps. It’s just pure excitement,” Mustipher said. “I’m ready to let it loose and really show the fan base, the coaches, and everybody that I’m prepared to take that next step and be a part and contribute this year.”