March 8, 2026, 4:58 p.m. MT
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.
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 linebacker Owen Pappoe.
Owen Pappoe 2025 season
Pappoe played in every game in 2025. He was a standout special teams player. In 373 special teams snaps, he had 16 total special teams tackles, the second-most on the team.
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He also had a role on defense, playing when the Cardinals went with their “NASCAR” or speed package for third downs. He logged 96 defensive snaps and had a total of 27 tackles and two pass breakups.
Owen Pappoe contract status
Pappoe enters the final year of his four-year rookie contract. He will make more than $1.1 million and count more than $1.2 million in cap space. He will be an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
Owen Pappoe offseason outlook
Pappoe has not developed into more than a special teams player and linebacker depth. While there is nothing wrong with that, his spot on the roster is not certain. He does have the benefit of entering the fourth season with retained defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, but he will need to show more to make the team again, especially since there is a new special teams coordinator.
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