The Cardinals still could look to bring back veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell if he chooses not the retire, but they are moving on from another veteran at the position.
The team released nose tackle Dalvin Tomlinson on Friday, creating $9.4 million in salary cap savings and creating a $6.8M dead hit, according to over the cap.com.
Tomlinson, who signed as a free agent last offseason, started all 17 games for the Cardinals. Used mostly to take up blockers in the defense, Tomlinson had 26 tackles, three tackles for loss, and a sack.
The Cardinals will be counting on health and improved play from two former first-round picks, Walter Nolen III and Darius Robinson. They have Dante Stills, and the potential to bring back Campbell and fellow free agent L.J. Collier.
Tomlinson is the second defensive lineman released in as many days; Bilal Nichols was cut on Thursday.
AUSTIN INCOMING
The Cardinals are reportedly hiring veteran coach Teryl Austin to be a senior defensive assistant coach. Austin, who coached defensive backs for the Cardinals from 2007-10 (including the Super Bowl team). He has been a defensive coordinator for the Lions, Bengals and Steelers.
