SerpApi.Org
3 Cardinals cut candidates on chopping block entering 2026 NFL training camp appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Did the Arizona Cardinals make mistakes with Kyler Murray and Jeremiyah Love? And will Marvin Harrison Jr. find an NFL groove? These things hang over the Cardinals, who also face tough roster decisions. And here are three cut candidates on the chopping block entering the 2026 NFL training camp.
The Cardinals are in the process of a rebuild with new head coach Mike LaFleur. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have tough choices to make.
RB Trey Benson
At first blush, this may look like a stretch. But the NFL is an unforgiving league. And Benson has only made two starts in two NFL seasons. Plus, he only stayed healthy enough to appear in four games last year.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
Benson has shown some burst when he has played. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry in 2024, and 5.5 in last year’s limited sample size.
The biggest problem for Benson came when the Cardinals selected Love with the No. 3 overall pick. Love immediately slotted into the RB1 role, pushing Tyler Allgeier into a backup role. Also in front of Benson is James Conner. However, James Conner is 31 years old and has spent his NFL career battling injuries.
Youth is on Benson’s side. But the Cardinals also have Bam Knight. And Knight provides kick returning ability.
It’s like this for Benson, according to Sports Illustrated.
“Many thought Benson may have been the potential lead back this season, though after James Conner restructured his deal, Tyler Allgeier signed in free agency and Jeremiyah Love was drafted with the third overall pick — Benson’s playing time has been massively dwindled,” Donnie Druin wrote.
LB Owen Pappoe
If you can’t cut the mustard with the Cardinals’ linebacker group, it may be hard to hook up somewhere else. The Cardinals ranked No. 24 in the league defending the run in 2025. And Pappoe isn’t in the starting mix this year.
Pappoe has veteran status, entering his fourth NFL season. The former fifth-round pick played in 17 games last season, but had a career-low 96 defensive snaps. Again, this came on a team that struggled in the middle of the field with its 4-3 alignment.
With Cody Simon, Mack Wilson Sr., Zaven Collins, and Jack Gibbens all ahead of him in the pecking order, Pappoe will have to get something done in training camp to stick around. However, his special teams ability gives him a leg up over some other competitors for roster spots.
At least Pappoe understands the business. He knows film doesn’t lie, according to azcardinals.com.
“Your film is your résumé,” Pappoe said late last season. “Make sure your tape is hot. It’s all about starring in your role and doing the most you can with whatever your role is on the team to try to contribute to wins.”
DT P.J. Mustipher
It has been a tough grind for Mustipher’s NFL career. He hooked on with the Saints in 2023, but appeared in only four games. Mustipher was out of the league in 2024, but joined the Cardinals last year.
Although he didn’t draw a starting assignment, Mustipher appeared in 15 games. He totaled 32 tackles and provided some positive efforts.
With Roy Lopes and Walter Nolen III in front of him, Mustipher has no avenue to a starting assignment. And he will have to hold up against Andrew Billings, Kaleb Proctor, LJ Collier, Damonic Williams, and Zachary Carter to stay on the roster.
Right now, he’s in decent shape. But the heat of the summer isn’t over yet.
Also, age isn’t on his side either. Mustipher is 26 and will turn 27 before the season is over.
Overall, the Cardinals have more questions than answers. That’s especially true on the defensive side of the football. That uncertainty could give Mustipher and Pappoe a chance to stick their foot in the door and keep it open.
However, Pappoe is fighting the NFL age battle as well. He will turn 26 in September. And in NFL circles, there can be a dramatic difference between 22 and 26.
Like ClutchPoints’ content? Be sure to follow us.
Related: Cardinals executive issues strong response to NFL amid suspension
