By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 22:28 GMT, 5 March 2026 | Updated: 22:29 GMT, 5 March 2026
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) - The Arizona Cardinals released linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither and defensive lineman Bilal Nichols on Thursday, saving the team more than $10 million in salary cap room.
The Cardinals are in the midst of a roster makeover under new coach Mike LaFleur, who was hired after the Cardinals fired Jonathan Gannon following a 3-14 record last season. The team has already informed two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kyler Murray [that he will be released](https://apnews.com/article/arizona-cardinals-kyler-murray-3455bb80d20f34803b3c397ee5eab0db) at the beginning of the new league year next Wednesday.
Davis-Gaither played in all 17 games last season, including 13 starts. The 28-year-old made 117 tackles, including 51 solo tackles after signing an $10 million, two-year deal in 2025.
Nichols played in just 10 games over the past two injury-filled seasons after signing a $21 million, three-year deal in 2024.
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FILE - Arizona Cardinals linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither looks on before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Nov. 23, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Samantha Chow, File)