After making a statement on Monday where they made four free agent additions, the Arizona Cardinals have reportedly agreed to contract terms with three of their own players.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Today, linebacker Mack Wilson, defensive lineman Justin Jones, defensive tackle Bilal Nichols and cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting have all agreed to terms on contracts as free agents with Arizona.
Also announced by outlets or the players’ own social media accounts, however, wide receiver Greg Dortch, linebacker Krys Barnes and punter Blake Gillikin will remain in the Valley for at least 2024.
Greg Dortch
Amidst the free agency madness today, Dortch posted a montage of plays and moments as a Cardinal on X (formerly Twitter).
“More motivated than I’ve ever been,” Dortch said. “Excited to be back in Arizona for another season.”
More motivated than I’ve ever been!! excited to Be back in Arizona again next season! 🙏🏾 All Glory to God #JustaundersizedkidfromRichmondVa pic.twitter.com/tL3I7NtDN5
— Greg Dortch (@_GDortch) March 11, 2024
Even though he hinted that he is returning, there is no concrete information indicating details on a supposed contract he will be signing, at the time of reporting.
Back on Thursday, the Cardinals tendered Dortch after being an exclusive rights restricted free agent.
Before he arrived in Arizona, the 25-year-old was undrafted in 2019, having flipped through multiple practice squads. Spending time with the Carolina Panthers, New York Jets, Los Angeles Rams and Atlanta Falcons during the 2019-20 seasons. It was only the Panthers who gave him a shot in NFL action, playing two games in 2019 and fumbling once.
Despite being signed, waived and signed again but to their practice squad at the beginning, the Cardinals gave him a bigger opportunity and Dortch has fit in seamlessly when he gets an opportunity. In 37 games (10 starts), Dortch has recorded 762 yards from 79 receptions and scored four touchdowns since joining in 2021.
Krys Barnes
For Barnes, he announced via Instagram today that he will be returning to Arizona, signing a one-year contract.
Like Dortch, the UCLA product Barnes went undrafted, ultimately signing with the Green Packers in 2020. Barnes played 35 games (24 starts), collected 190 tackles, three sacks and defended four passes for Green Bay.
Then on March 25, 2023, the California native signed for the Cardinals and has stayed in the Desert ever since. As a Cardinal, Barnes has suited up for 16 games (six starts), grabbing an interception, 55 tackles and defending six passes.
More information on the details of this particular deal will be coming soon.
Blake Gillikin
Rounding out the trio of re-signings, NFL outlet MLFootball reported that Gillikin is not leaving Arizona either.
“Standout 26-year-old punter Blake Gillikin is re-signing with the Arizona Cardinals on a two-year deal,” MLFootball said on X.
BREAKING: Standout 26-year old punter Blake Gillikin is re-signing with the Arizona #Cardinals on a two-year deal, league sources tell @_MLFootball.
Gillikin in his last 10 averaged 45.54 net averag, which led the #NFL.
He is the 6th rank punter, according to PuntAlytics. pic.twitter.com/1myS8I8Ory
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 11, 2024
In his debut season for the Cardinals last year, Gillikin played 13 games and punted 51 times for 2,580 yards. He eclipsed a career-high with an average of 50.4 yards per punt.
Prior to signing with the Cards, Gillikin was on the New Orleans Saints and played all 34 games in their 2021-22 calendars.
When news surrounding the Cardinals breaks, Burn City Sports will keep you up-to-date.
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Reporter Alec Cipollini covers Phoenix Sports News for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
