The Cardinals are releasing a veteran linebacker. The team is cutting Devon Kennard, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter).
Despite starting only seven of his 28 games since joining the Cardinals, Kennard was expected to start in 2022. Markus Golden and Dennis Gardeck have since secured the starting outside linebacker spots, and instead of holding on to a veteran to back up the duo, the Cardinals will be pivoting to a younger option. That group includes a pair of third-round rookies: Cameron Thomas and Myjai Sanders.
Kennard inked a three-year deal with the Cardinals in 2020. In his two seasons with the organization, the linebacker collected 43 tackles and three sacks. The 31-year-old didn’t play enough snaps in 2021 to qualify for Pro Football Focus’ rankings, but his grade would have placed within the top-20, and he would have earned a top-1o mark for his run defense.
The former fifth-round pick spent the first four seasons of his career with the Giants before moving to Detroit in 2018. He spent two seasons with the Lions, collecting 104 tackles and 14 sacks.
Just another dumb move by “ The only thing I know about is a DUI Keim.”
Thomas and Sanders are really good picks opens up more minutes for them
Kennard and Davis will be two valuable free agents to any team losing linebackers to injury. Kennard is a smart vet, and likely was underutilized by Arizona. He was originally signed to play starter snaps before Simmons was drafted, and the additions of Sanders and Thomas took up edge spots. Kennard hasn’t been known as a pass rusher as is, which is what Arizona wants out of that position.