2025 Arizona Cardinals training camp roster preview: LB J.J. Russell
The Arizona Cardinals report to training camp on July 22 and begin the process of preparing for the regular season, forming the roster and determining starting jobs and roles on the team.
Leading up to the start of camp, we will take a look at every player on the offseason roster, their background, their contract, their play in 2024, questions they face and their roster outlook.
Next up is inside linebacker J.J. Russell.
J.J. Russell background, 2024 season
An undrafted free agent from Memphis with the Buccaneers in 2022, Russell was in Tampa for three seasons before becoming a free agent in March when the Bucs did not tender him as a restricted free agent. He was signed by the Cardinals on May 21.
He played 16 games and started the final three games of the regular season. He played 249 defensive snaps (24 percent) during the season along with 334 (73 percent) on special teams. Russell had 25 tackles (16 solo) with one pass defensed and had two tackles (one solo) in the playoff loss to the Commanders. On special teams, he led the team with eight tackles (four solo) and had a fumble recovery. In the postseason game, he had one tackle.
J.J. Russell 2025 contract details, cap hit
Russell signed a one-year contract with the Cardinals for $1.1 million, the same as his salary-cap charge. There is no guaranteed money in the deal.
2025 questions, roster outlook
Russell could be a player to watch in training camp as he competes for a backup spot on defense and for a regular role on special teams.
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.
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