Cardinals save more than $10 million with the release of 2 players

The Arizona Cardinals released two defensive players, Bilal Nichols and Akeem Davis-Gaither , on Thursday, March 5, as they prepare for free agency.

A defensive lineman, Nichols was part of a 2024 free agent class that has largely underperformed. Nichols played only 193 snaps over the past two seasons.

The team's savings, per Over the Cap, amount to $5.8 million. According to The Arizona Republic's Theo Mackie, Nichols' $12.8 million in earnings with the Cardinals comes out to more than $1 million per tackle.

Releasing Davis-Gaither, a linebacker, will save approximately $5.2 million and will account for just $1.5 million in dead cap money. He was second on the team in tackles during the 2025 season.

According to a report, the Cardinals have also decided not to tender running back Emari Demercado , making him a free agent. Demercado, 27, had been a restricted free agent. He had 44 carries for 312 yards and caught 13 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown last season.

NFL free agency begins its "legal tampering" period at 9 a.m. MST (noon Eastern) on Monday, March 9. At that point, teams are allowed to negotiate with pending free agents.

The new league year starts at 1 p.m. MST on Wednesday, March 11, when contracts can be finalized.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Cardinals cut Davis-Gaither, Nichols, save $10 million