The 2026 league year is coming next month. It officially begins on March 11, with the legal negotiating period beginning on March 9.
The Arizona Cardinals have many roster decisions to make before then.
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Leading up to the new league year, we will profile every player on the roster, go over what they did last season, what their contract status is and what they face in 2026.
Next up is offensive lineman Jon Gaines.
Jon Gaines 2025 season
Gaines was healthy all year for the first time in his career. It was his third NFL season, and he appeared in all 17 games, starting the final five at left guard after Evan Brown missed for personal reasons. He played 339 offensive snaps on the season and 65 on special teams.
Before entering the starting lineup, he would see action on offense as a fullback in short-yardage situations. He was the backup center for the first 12 games of the year.
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Jon Gaines contract status
Gaines enters the final year of his four-year rookie deal. He is scheduled to make $1.145 million in salary and will count $1.33 million against the cap. He will be an unrestricted free agent next offseason.
Jon Gaines offseason outlook
There is a new coaching staff, but his position coach, offensive line coach Justin Frye, coached him a year ago and when he was in college at UCLA.
He might be in the mix for a starting job at guard, as at least one starting job is uncertain moving forward. But if the Cardinals don’t go with a veteran starter in free agency, Gaines will be in the mix to stay on the roster as depth at guard and center this offseason.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Jon Gaines’ contract status and 2026 offseason outlook