Dante Stills has always "stood on business."
Coming into the league as a sixth-round pick, it was a necessity to do so to secure a spot on the team. It appeared like an uphill climb for the defensive lineman to make an impact during his first season. Yet after L.J. Collier and Carlos Watkins went down with injuries in 2023, Stills earned playing time. He finished the year leading the defensive line with 3.5 sacks.
It was much of the same in 2024 after the Cardinals brought back Collier, signed Justin Jones and Bilal Nichols, and drafted Darius Robinson. But after Robinson and the free agent signees were sidelined, Stills once again found himself playing more snaps, and once again, had the most sacks on the defensive line with 4.5.
Defensive line improvement was a focal point of the offseason with the additions of Calais Campbell, Dalvin Tomlinson, and drafting Walter Nolen III.
Stills has seen this story before.
"I feel like I'm definitely comfortable in what I'm doing with my game," Stills said. "(Roster) status-wise, yeah, I've talked with the coaches about that, but I got to go out there and stand on business every day."
Despite the revamped unit, Stills, along with Robinson, continue to be the players along the front to consistently stand out during training camp practices. While coach Jonathan Gannon routinely suggests not making a big deal about who is getting first-team reps, the three-man defensive front featured the most has been Campbell, Tomlinson, and Robinson.
When Campbell -- who has made it clear he is at his best when limited to 30 or 35 snaps a game -- comes out, that's when Stills comes in.
"I know the game a lot better," Stills said. "I know this scheme very well and I know this locker room very well. I'm very in tune with what's going on and I'm excited for this group. I feel like this group is going to be very dominant this year, and you can see it."
Last season, the Cardinals kept six defensive lineman on the 53-man roster. With the influx of talent added to the room, there is a chance the Cardinals keep an additional player (or even two) and subtract from other spots on the team.
"I am not in the business of cutting good football players, so even if it might look a little tilted (towards) one position, one side, this or that, you never know how it's going to go," Gannon said.
Yet with Nolen out for the foreseeable future due to a calf injury, it's critical for those who are on the bubble to perform for the duration of camp.
Some other players who have had some run along the defensive line are Jones, Collier, P.J. Mustipher, and Elijah Simmons.
"We have a deep, strong room there," Gannon said. "They're going to have to play different positions like we want them to, and they have to get better every day. Guys are going to get opportunities and that's the name of the game. It will be good to see."
Stills was used multiple ways last season. According to TruMedia, the third-year man recorded snaps at every defensive line position during the 2024 season. He mostly spent time as a three-technique with 273 snaps, followed by 94 at four-tech, and 62 as the one-tech.
Stills will play in the preseason and try to further solidify his spot on the Cardinals' 53-man roster. While one could feel threatened by the additions, Stills has chosen to embrace the competition and soak up the knowledge from the veterans.
Those tidbits will allow him to continue standing strong throughout the training camp competition.
"I learn every day and all the guys in the room always give their experiences, their habits, and their goals that they have for each season," Stills said. "I'm constantly learning. It's every day. Now I just go out there and apply it to my game."
Take a look at the best images from Week 2 of the 2025 Arizona Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium, presented by Desert Financial
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Trishton Jackson (86) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, August 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (17) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, August 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mykal Walker (43) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, August 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum (68) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek (81) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, August 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum (68) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, August 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (17) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, August 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Denzel Burke (29) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, August 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, August 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell (93) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, August 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Evan Brown (63) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, August 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (17) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Ekow Boye-Doe (35) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, August 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, August 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Xavier Weaver (89) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Cody Simon (50) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Darius Robinson (56) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, August 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
The Arizona Cardinals during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
The Arizona Cardinals during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) and Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas (20) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Tip Reiman (87) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Simi Fehoko (80) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals safety Kitan Crawford (36) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Simi Fehoko (80) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell (93) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight (35), Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (31), Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas (20), Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6), Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) and Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (33) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas (20) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Max Melton (16) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Darren Hall (30), Arizona Cardinals cornerback Elijah Jones (28) and Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) and Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins (84) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek (81) and Arizona Cardinals safety Kitan Crawford (36) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (17) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) and Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) and Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither (27) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) and Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins (25) and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Baron Browning (5) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum (68) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Darius Robinson (56) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (17) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins (84) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Baron Browning (5) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek (81) and Arizona Cardinals safety Kitan Crawford (36) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman L.J. Collier (91) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals safety Dadrion "Rabbit" Taylor-Demerson (42) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (17) and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither (27) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Valentin Senn (69) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Patrick Jenkins (90) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Nick Leverett (60) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (17) and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight (35) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Xavier Weaver (89) and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Max Melton (16) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72) and Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Jon Gaines II (59) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Valentin Senn (69) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
