GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals sign two defensive free agents to bulk up defense before heading into 2026 NFL Draft. General manager Monti Ossenfort signed linebacker Jack Gibbens to a two-year deal and interior defensive lineman Andrew Billings to a one-year deal. The duo fill the position of two players cut by the franchise, LB Akeem Davis-Gaither and DL Dalvin Tomlinson.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ossenfort fills the holes left by Davis-Gaither and Tomlinson with two veteran players, which illustrate a clear direction where the Cardinals will be going in the draft next month.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Jack Gibbens (51) against the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Cardinals bring in Gibbens and Billings:
Last year with the New England Patriots, Gibbens had a Pro Football Focus grade of 64.0, which ranks 37th out of 88 eligible linebackers. Billings had less success, having a PFF grade of 38.7 and ranking as the fourth-rated interior defensive lineman in the NFL. The grades don’t pop off the paper, but Gibbens is a four-year veteran and Billings is a eight-year Pro.
Comparing to all the signings this offseason, it is clear that Ossenfort is trying to sign players with experience to the roster on short-term deals. The goal could be for these players to come in and lead rookie and second-year teammates on the field. The two newest signings bulk up the Cardinals front seven, leading to their approach third overall.
Oct 13, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Andrew Billings (97) reacts after a play against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
The one absent position that Ossenfort has ignored this free agency is edge rusher. Despite having the worst pass rush in the NFL, the fourth-year GM hasn’t been too concern of bringing in new players. The plan seems obvious of looking at Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. or Texas Tech’s David Bailey third overall.
If either of those players are taken, they are coming into an environment with plenty veteran leadership. Fellow edge Josh Sweat in the building, with new players like Gibbens and Billings, are all present to bring some maturity to a franchise that has lacked heavily in that department for the past four seasons.
Why the Cardinals should consider trading the 3rd pick in 2026 NFL Draft
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
