As the Arizona Cardinals prepare for training camp starting July 22, defensive lineman L.J. Collier stands out as a key player to watch. Selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks, Collier transitioned to the Cardinals in 2023 as an unrestricted free agent, signing a one-year contract worth $3 million with $1.5 million guaranteed.

In the previous season, he made a significant impact on the field, participating in 17 games with 15 starts. He recorded 29 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and showed versatility by contributing to both defensive and special teams plays. With the Cardinals looking to solidify their roster and establish roles, Collier's performance will be crucial for their defensive strategy moving forward.

The Arizona Cardinals are facing tough decisions on their defensive line after significant offseason acquisitions. With the addition of veterans Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell, plus the first-round draft pick of Walter Nolen, the team is now stacked with talent in the trenches. The influx of new personnel raises questions about the future of Justin Jones, a notable free agent signing last year, who missed the majority of the previous season due to injury. Despite his guaranteed salary in 2025, the financial implications of his contract make him a potential trade candidate.

On the other hand, younger players like Dante Stills, who has shown promise, could be more desirable for trading, while L.J. Collier’s less secure contract status makes him a likely cut option. As the Cardinals look to finalize their roster and manage their salary cap, these decisions will significantly impact their defensive strategy as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The Arizona Cardinals' revamped defensive line is shaping up to be a cornerstone of their defense as they prepare for the upcoming season. The team has bolstered its roster significantly, bringing in veteran talents such as Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell, while also retaining L.J. Collier, who had an impressive run last season. The selection of promising rookie Walter Nolen adds to their already deep roster, which now features eight capable players capable of making an impact.

With a maximum of seven defensive linemen allowed on the final roster, the Cardinals face tough decisions ahead. Injury concerns from last season linger, especially with Justin Jones and Bilal Nichols missing significant time. If all eight players remain healthy, potential trade scenarios emerge. Dante Stills stands out as a candidate due to his youthful energy and productivity, while L.J. Collier’s contract situation makes him a possible cut. The Cardinals' strategic roster management could ultimately shape their defensive identity for 2024.

Arizona Cardinals have finalized a contract with defensive lineman L.J. Collier, which has important implications for both the player and the team's cap situation. The contract is worth a base of $3 million, retracting the earlier reported amount of $4 million. This adjustment reflects $1 million tied to performance incentives based on playing time and sack counts, ensuring Collier has the potential for increased earnings based on his contributions on the field.

Of the total contract, $1.5 million is guaranteed, which includes a signing bonus and a portion of the base salary. There are also incentives in place, including a $50,000 workout bonus and $15,000 for each game he is active, which can add up to $255,000. The overall cap hit for Collier contributes to the Cardinals' total of approximately $18.758 million for several players signed recently, showcasing the ongoing efforts to revamp the roster while managing cap space effectively.