The Arizona Cardinals waived defensive lineman Justin Jones from injured reserve on Wednesday.
It’s an unceremonious end to Arizona’s highest priced free agent from last year’s additions.
Jones originally signed with the Cardinals in 2024 on a three-year deal worth $30.1 million and $19.75 million guaranteed after starting every game for the Chicago Bears the two seasons prior.
That impressive availability did not roll over to his time in Arizona whatsoever. Jones appeared in just three games before being ruled out for the rest of the season with a torn triceps. He logged a tackle for loss, one QB hit and a fumble recovery in that small sample size.
Unfortunately for Jones and the Cardinals, that would be the extent of his play for the franchise.
During this past training camp, Jones went down with a knee injury that forced him back on IR. He stayed there until Arizona’s decision to waive him on Wednesday.
His time with the Cardinals ends with just 100 defensive snaps played and well before his contract runs out.
Financially, that means Arizona will take on a $3.25 million dead money hit for next year. Arizona also saves $8.8 million in cap space by waiving Jones, per OverTheCap.
From a 2024 free agency standpoint, it’s an offseason to largely forget for general manager Monti Ossenfort and Co.
Aside from Jones’ failings as a Cardinal, defensive lineman Bilal Nichols hasn’t lived up to his three-year deal nor has cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting.
Running back DeeJay Dallas, who also inked a three-year deal with the franchise that offseason, isn’t even on the team anymore.
Offensive lineman Jonah Williams’ two years in Arizona largely disappointed and come to an end with him on IR.
Those names marked some of the Cardinals’ biggest additions financially and have instead turned into liabilities.
The only big hit from that free agency class has been linebacker Mack Wilson Sr., who had taken over the reins as Arizona’s MIKE backer before a rib injury forced him on IR.
Offensive lineman Evan Brown and punter Blake Gillikin have had some good run but have also missed time due to personal reasons or injury.
