Feb. 24, 2026, 11:30 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 wide receiver Jalen Brooks.
Jalen Brooks 2025 season
In his third NFL season, he began the year with the Dallas Cowboys on their practice squad. He got hurt and was leater released, and the Cardinals signed him to their practice squad at the end of October. He was elevated three times and then signed to the active roster in December.
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He appeared in six games and had three catches for 51 yards in 107 offensive snaps. He also was part of the kickoff team, returning 10 for 254 yards.
Jalen Brooks contract status
Brooks, when he was signed to the active roster, was signed through 2026, so he is under contract. He will make $1.145 million in salary if he makes the roster. It is the league minimum for a fourth-year player.
Jalen Brooks offseason outlook
Brooks is under contract, so he will likely get at least the offseason program and OTAs to show the new coaching staff what he can offer.
He has yet to catch more than 12 passes in a season, so his best bet is to prove himself as a kick returner.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.