Arizona Cardinals Release Bilal Nichols, Akeem Davis-Gaither

The moves save the Cardinals $11 million in salary cap space.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Arizona Cardinals announced the release of defensive lineman Bilal Nichols and linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither, two moves that will save the team approximately $11 million in salary cap space.

Why it matters

The Cardinals are making strategic roster moves to free up salary cap space as they look to improve their team for the upcoming season. Releasing underperforming players with high salaries is a common tactic for NFL teams to create more financial flexibility.

The details

Nichols was signed to a three-year, $21 million contract in 2024 but played in only 10 games over the past two seasons. Davis-Gaither was signed to a two-year, $10 million deal last offseason and started 13 games, but the emergence of Cody Simon made him expendable.

  • The Cardinals announced the releases on March 6, 2026.

The players

Bilal Nichols

A defensive lineman who was signed to a three-year, $21 million contract in 2024 but struggled with injuries and played in only 10 games over the past two seasons.

Akeem Davis-Gaither

A linebacker who was signed to a two-year, $10 million deal last offseason and started 13 games, but the emergence of Cody Simon made him expendable.

Cody Simon

A linebacker who emerged in the second half of the 2025 season, likely making Akeem Davis-Gaither's role as a starter expendable.

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The takeaway

The Cardinals are making tough roster decisions to free up salary cap space, which is a common practice in the NFL as teams look to improve their rosters and remain competitive. The releases of Nichols and Davis-Gaither show the team is willing to part ways with high-priced players who have not lived up to expectations.