The pace of roster shuffling this time of year slows as teams work with their 90-man rosters and see what they have prior to training camp.

But the Cardinals did add a veteran inside linebacker on Wednesday when they signed J.J. Russell to a one-year contract. To make room, they released linebacker Milo Eifler.

Russell spent the first three seasons of his career with Tampa Bay, playing in a career-high 16 games in 2024 with the Buccaneers. Russell also played 249 defensive snaps, not only his highest raw total but the 24 percent of snaps played was by far the most of his career.

Russell has also been a consistent special teamer, and played 73 percent of Tampa’s special teams snaps last season.

Russell, who has played 30 career games, spent a good chunk of his first two seasons on the practice squad after coming into the league undrafted.

The Arizona Cardinals have bolstered their linebacker corps by signing J.J. Russell, a promising young defender with a track record of perseverance and growth. The move, announced on May 21, 2025, also involved the release of linebacker Milo Eifler, signaling a strategic shift in the team’s defensive lineup.(Revenge of the Birds)

Born on October 12, 1998, in Grenada, Mississippi, Jarvis J. Russell’s football journey began at Grenada High School and progressed through the University of Memphis. At Memphis, he distinguished himself as a defensive leader, culminating in a standout senior year in 2021 where he led the team with 123 tackles and earned First-Team All-American Athletic Conference honors. (Wikipedia)

Despite his collegiate success, Russell went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft. However, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers recognized his potential and signed him as an undrafted free agent. Over three seasons with the Buccaneers (2022–2024), Russell appeared in 30 games, starting four. His contributions included 36 tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss, and two passes defensed on defense, along with 13 special teams tackles and a fumble recovery. (Revenge of the Birds)

The 2024 season marked a significant uptick in Russell’s performance. He played in all 16 regular-season games, starting three, and recorded career highs in tackles (25), passes defensed (2), and special teams tackles (8). He also made his postseason debut in a Wild Card game, registering two defensive tackles and one special teams tackle. (Revenge of the Birds)

Russell’s signing with the Arizona Cardinals represents both a fresh opportunity for the player and a strategic acquisition for the team. At 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, he brings versatility and experience to a linebacker unit that has seen several offseason additions. The Cardinals have been active in reshaping their defense, and Russell’s ability to contribute on both defense and special teams makes him a valuable asset.

Wearing jersey number 51, Russell will compete for a roster spot amid a group of linebackers aiming to make an impact. His journey from undrafted free agent to a player with postseason experience underscores his resilience and work ethic. As the Cardinals prepare for the upcoming season, Russell’s addition adds depth and competition to the linebacker position, aligning with the team’s broader goals of defensive improvement and overall team development.(Revenge of the Birds)

In summary, J.J. Russell’s path to the Arizona Cardinals is a testament to his determination and growth as a professional athlete. His signing not only enhances the team’s linebacker depth but also brings a player with a proven track record of adaptability and perseverance. As the Cardinals continue to build their roster, Russell’s presence could prove instrumental in achieving their defensive objectives for the season.