he Arizona Cardinals have strategically enhanced their linebacker depth by signing J.J. Russell for the 2025 NFL season. Russell, who stands at 6'1" and weighs 225 pounds, joins the Cardinals after a stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where he recorded a career-high 33 tackles in 2024. His run defense, graded at 79.7 by Pro Football Focus, ranked 30th among NFL linebackers, indicating his potential impact on Arizona's defense.
Russell is expected to continue his significant role on special teams, having played over 60% of special teams snaps in each of his three seasons with Tampa Bay. His addition comes as the Cardinals seek to fill the void left by the departure of Kyzir White and bolster their linebacker unit alongside new additions Akeem Davis-Gaither and Cody Simon.
