The Cardinals made a trio of roster moves on Wednesday, headlined by the return of defensive lineman L.J. Collier from injured reserve. It’s a timely boost for Arizona’s defensive front, which has been dealing with injuries and looking for veteran stability as the season winds down.
Collier, now 30, is a former first-round pick-No. 29 overall by the Seahawks back in 2019 out of TCU, where he earned first-team All-Big 12 honors during his final collegiate season. While his early years in Seattle didn’t quite live up to the expectations that come with a first-round selection, Collier has carved out a steady role as a rotational lineman, bringing physicality and experience to the trenches.
After finishing out his rookie contract-which carried a total value north of $10.8 million and included nearly $6 million in signing bonus-Collier signed a one-year deal with the Cardinals. He’s since returned on consecutive one-year deals in 2024 and 2025, a sign of mutual trust between player and team. Arizona values his presence, and Collier has shown he can still contribute when healthy.
In 2024, he suited up for all 17 games and produced a solid stat line: 29 total tackles, four tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, a fumble recovery, and a pair of pass breakups. That kind of production, especially from a rotational piece, is exactly what defensive coordinators want-disruption, versatility, and a nose for the ball.
This season, Collier’s been limited to just one appearance, where he logged a single tackle before landing on IR. Now back in the fold, he’ll look to re-establish his role in Arizona’s defensive rotation.
The Cardinals also made a move at quarterback, signing Logan Woodside to the practice squad. Woodside brings familiarity with NFL systems and has bounced around a few rosters, often serving as a reliable depth option. His addition gives Arizona another arm in the building, potentially valuable as the team navigates the final stretch of the season.
To make room for Woodside, the team released safety Patrick McMorris from the practice squad. McMorris had been part of the unit in a developmental capacity, but with roster dynamics shifting late in the year, teams often make these kinds of moves to address immediate needs.
With Collier back in the mix and a new quarterback in the building, the Cardinals are tweaking the margins of their roster as they continue to evaluate talent and build toward the future.