The Arizona Cardinals have decided to release outside linebacker Marquis Haynes Sr., just days after signing him. This move was officially confirmed by the team, though the reasons for the release remain unclear.
The Cardinals had signed Haynes on August 6 to help compensate for the absence of edge rusher BJ Ojulari, who is expected to miss the season due to a severe knee injury.
According to a press release from the Cardinals after they signed Haynes:
“Haynes (6-2, 235) played the last six seasons with the Panthers (2018-23), appearing in 71 games (two starts). During that time, he accumulated 92 tackles, 27 quarterback hits, 18 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, six passes defensed, four fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and one touchdown, along with seven tackles on special teams.
“He participated in seven games last season (one start) with Carolina, recording 16 tackles, three tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, and a sack after starting the season on injured reserve. In 2022, Haynes achieved single-season career highs in tackles (26), quarterback hits (13), tackles for loss (seven), sacks (5.0), and passes defensed (four).
“The 30-year-old Haynes entered the NFL with Carolina as a fourth-round pick (136th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft from Ole Miss, where he left as the Rebels’ all-time leader in tackles for loss (47.5) and sacks (32.0).”
Currently, the Cardinals’ top edge rushers include Zaven Collins and Dennis Gardeck, who contributed to Arizona’s total of 33 team sacks in 2023. Behind them are players like Cameron Thomas, Jesse Luketa, Victor Dimukeje, and Xavier Thomas.
It remains to be seen if Arizona has larger plans for the outside linebacker position, but releasing a player right before their preseason opener is certainly notable timing.
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