March 5, 2026, 7:18 p.m. MT
The Arizona Cardinals announced a pair of releases that many were expecting. They were two salary-saving moves.
They announced the release of defensive lineman Bilal Nichols and linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither.
The moves save the Cardinals about $11 million in salary cap space.
Bilal Nichols and Akeem Davis-Gaither, varying disappointments
Nichols was signed to a three-year, $21 million contract in 2024. He had been a steady, reliable veteran. He had not missed a game since 2019.
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In two seasons with the Cardinals, he played in only 10 games for a combined 234 snaps. He had played over 600 snaps in the four seasons before that.
Davis-Gaither was signed to a two-year, $10 deal last offseason. He was projected to be a starter and was, but did have struggles. He played in all 17 games, starting 13 of them. He even had 117 total tackles, an interception, five pass breakups and a forced fumble. And he led the team with 20 total special teams tackles in 189 special teams snaps.
However, the emergence of Cody Simon in the second half of the season likely meant that Davis-Gaither would have only a depth and special teams role, which didn’t warrant the salary he was going to make.
Salary cap implications
Nichols was scheduled to make more than $5.8 million and count $7.8 million against the salary cap. The Cardinals gain $5.8 million in cap space and carry $2 million in dead money.
Davis-Gaither’s release saves $5.2 million in salary against the cap. His contract will count $1.5 million in dead money.
In all, the Cardinals save $11 million in cap space.
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