The Arizona Cardinals have officially announced the release of outside linebacker Marquis Haynes Sr., just days after signing him. The reasons behind the sudden decision remain unclear.
Haynes was brought in on August 6 to help fill the gap left by edge rusher BJ Ojulari, who is expected to miss the season due to a serious knee injury. However, his time with the team was cut short, raising questions about Arizona’s plans moving forward.
The Cardinals highlighted Haynes’ experience in their press release when they initially signed him:
“Haynes (6-2, 235) spent the last six seasons with the Panthers (2018-23), playing in 71 games (two starts) and recording 92 tackles, 27 quarterback hits, 18 tackles for loss, 14.0 sacks, six passes defensed, four fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and one touchdown. He also contributed seven tackles on special teams.
“Last season, Haynes appeared in seven games (one start) with Carolina, making 16 tackles, three tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, and a sack after starting the year on injured reserve. In 2022, he set career highs with 26 tackles, 13 quarterback hits, seven tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, and four passes defensed.
“The 30-year-old Haynes entered the league as a fourth-round pick (136th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft from Ole Miss, where he left as the Rebels’ career leader in tackles for loss (47.5) and sacks (32.0).”
With Haynes now out of the picture, the Cardinals’ edge-rushing unit is led by Zaven Collins and Dennis Gardeck, who were part of a defense that managed just 33 sacks in 2023. Behind them are players like Cameron Thomas, Jesse Luketa, Victor Dimukeje, and Xavier Thomas.
The timing of Haynes’ release, just a day before Arizona’s preseason opener, adds to the intrigue. It remains to be seen if the Cardinals have other plans for bolstering their outside linebacker position.
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