Tracking the Arizona Cardinals' Released Players: Where Did They Land?

As the Arizona Cardinals finalize their 53-man roster for the 2026 NFL season, the decisions made by first-year head coach Mike LaFleur have sent ripples across the league. Several familiar faces from the desert have found new homes, while others await opportunities on practice squads. The Vulius NFL Analysis Desk has tracked every notable departure to bring you a comprehensive look at where these players have landed.

Kedon Slovis Finds a New Home in Green Bay

Perhaps the most intriguing move involves quarterback Kedon Slovis, who impressed during training camp and the preseason but became expendable after rookie Carson Beck shined in the Hall of Fame Game. The Cardinals opted to keep only three quarterbacks, leaving Slovis as the odd man out. However, his performance during joint practices with the Green Bay Packers caught the eye of head coach Matt LaFleur, who promptly added him to the Packers' practice squad. With Green Bay carrying just two quarterbacks on their active roster—Jordan Love and Tyrod Taylor—Slovis could see a promotion if injuries strike. The Cardinals retain the right to claim him if they need quarterback depth, making this a situation worth monitoring.

Linebacker Owen Pappoe Earns a Roster Spot in Tennessee

Linebacker Owen Pappoe was one of the few released Cardinals to land directly on another team's active roster. After a standout preseason that included 10 tackles against the Cowboys and four tackles with two pass breakups versus the Packers, Pappoe found himself in a crowded linebacker room in Arizona. The emergence of rookie Karson Sharar and veteran Eku Leota pushed Pappoe out, but the Tennessee Titans recognized his potential and signed him to their 53-man squad. Pappoe's athleticism and tackling ability should serve him well in Tennessee's defensive scheme.

Sean Murphy-Bunting Returns to Tampa Bay

Veteran cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting faced an uphill battle after restructuring his deal to remain with the Cardinals, only to be released following a lackluster camp. The former second-round pick (2019) enjoyed early success with three interceptions as a rookie and 70 tackles in his second year, but injuries and inconsistency have plagued him since. With the emergence of Garrett Williams in Arizona's secondary, Murphy-Bunting was expendable. He has since signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practice squad, reuniting with the team that drafted him. If he can rediscover his form, he could earn a promotion.

Practice Squad Moves and International Designation

The Cardinals' initial practice squad features 17 players, 13 of whom attended Arizona's camp. Notably, offensive tackle Valentin Senn occupies the international designation spot, a unique opportunity for the Austrian-born lineman. Among the outside additions, tight end Jared Harrison-Hunte (Panthers), guard Vershon Lee (Vikings), cornerback D'Shawn Jamison (Steelers), and tight end Shawn Bowman (Jaguars) bring fresh perspectives to the squad. These players will provide depth and competition as the season progresses.

As the Cardinals move forward under Coach LaFleur, the departures of these players underscore the difficult roster decisions every NFL team faces. For fans tracking former Cardinals, the 2026 season offers intriguing storylines across the league. Stay tuned to Vulius for comprehensive coverage and analysis of all NFL roster moves.