It’s been said that “NFL” stands for “Not For Long.” In the case of Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Justin Jones, the saying rings all too true.
After the Cardinals additions along the defensive front this offseason, Jones could be on the way out of Arizona before ever getting the chance to establish himself.
Justin Jones could be cut from the Arizona Cardinals this offseason
The Arizona Cardinals signed interior defensive lineman Justin Jones to a three-year contract worth about $31 million in 2024. Their most expensive signing of the offseason, he was expected to mend one of the Cardinals’ biggest weaknesses. Jones was set to start along Jonathan Gannon’s defensive front.
Unfortunately, after starting just three games for the Cardinals, Jones suffered a triceps injury that would end his season. In his short time on the field, Jones struggled to meet expectations. He failed to consistently generate pressure and received an abysmal PFF run defense grade of 28.3.
In 2025, the Cardinals have aggressively added talent to their defensive line. On the interior, Dalvin Tomlinson, Calais Campbell, and Walter Nolen have all been added to the rotation. The unit has been transformed from one of the league’s worst to one that can be truly competitive. According to a recent Bleacher Report article, the moves may be enough to push Jones out of Arizona.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox recently listed the best player who could be cut from every NFL team this offseason. Justin Jones was his pick for the Cardinals.
As Knox puts it, “While Arizona would save just $95,000 in cap space by releasing Jones, it may want to free up a spot at defensive end.”
The Cardinals seem to be building a rotation of defensive linemen to allow each player to remain fresh throughout the season. Still, that rotation can only sustain so many players.
Along with the new additions of Campbell, Tomlinson, and Nolen, Jones will have to compete with young players like Darius Robinson and Dante Stills for playing time. Unless they see Jones as a key part of their rotation, the Cardinals may lean toward developing young talent. This could severely limit the playing time that Justin Jones is able to earn.
If Jones were released, he would likely be picked up by another team before the start of the 2025 season. He has done enough to deserve a spot in the NFL, though it may not be in Arizona.