At the end of the day, the NFL is a business. When players don't perform, they lose their jobs.
As we inch closer to the start of Arizona Cardinals training camp, plenty of players are battling for a spot on the roster. Inevitably, some of those players will be cut. A few of the names on the chopping block may shock you.
4 Cardinals players who could be surprising cuts in training camp
Justin Jones
The Arizona Cardinals were aggressive in free agency this offseason. In 2024, it was a different story. Defensive lineman Justin Jones was Arizona's biggest signing last offseason, inking a three-year, $31 million deal with the team.
Now, Jones might already be on the way out. He's likely to sit behind Dalvin Tomlinson, Calais Campbell, Walter Nolen, and Darius Robinson on the interior. If Jones isn't seeing playing time, his cap hit doesn't make sense to keep on the books. The Cardinals can save about $9 million in 2026 cap space if they cut Jones this offseason.
Zaven Collins
It would certainly be shocking if the Cardinals cut a former first-round pick who has been a consistent starter for them over the last few years. But it's a real possibility.
Arizona has added multiple starting-caliber players at the edge rusher position. Zaven Collins may not be in line to start anymore. With his contract expiring after the 2026 season, the Cardinals may not be interested in keeping Collins around for the long haul. Arizona can save about $5 million in 2026 cap space by cutting Collins.
Dante Stills
Dante Stills and Justin Jones may end up battling each other for a spot on the Cardinals' final roster. Arizona selected Stills in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He has carved out a role for himself, playing over 500 defensive snaps in each of his two seasons with the team. But he may become a casualty of the Cardinals' abundance on the defensive line this offseason.
Barring an injury to one of the players slotted above him on the depth chart, Stills could be on the way out after two seasons in Arizona. His cheap contract is one of the few factors working in his favor.
DeeJay Dallas
DeeJay Dallas has become more of a special teams player than a running back with the Arizona Cardinals. As training camp approaches, even that role may be slipping away.
The Cardinals extended Greg Dortch earlier this offseason. Dortch took on return responsibilities for the Cardinals in 2024, lessening DeeJay Dallas's workload. Dallas will have to show his worth in training camp to avoid being cut.