Arizona Cardinals Sign Former Buccaneers Linebacker J.J. Russell
The Arizona Cardinals have signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker J.J. Russell to their 90-man roster for the 2025 season. Russell, who spent his first three years with the Buccaneers, will now have the chance to face his old team when the Cardinals visit Tampa Bay on November 30, a game that will also feature the induction of franchise legend Simeon Rice into the Ring of Honor.
Earlier this offseason, the Buccaneers opted not to re-sign Russell, who was a restricted free agent. As a result, the 26-year-old linebacker hit the open market and eventually found a new home with the Cardinals.
Russell enjoyed a breakout year in 2024 with Tampa Bay, appearing in all 16 games and making three starts. He posted 33 tackles, one fumble recovery, and two pass deflections, with two games in which he recorded five total tackles. The former undrafted free agent joined the Bucs in 2022 and made a name for himself primarily as a special teams contributor, playing in nearly 75% of the team’s special teams snaps last season.
Over his three seasons with the Buccaneers, Russell appeared in 30 games and started four, totaling 49 tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, one fumble recovery, and two pass deflections.
We have signed LB J.J. Russell and have released LB Milo Eifler.
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) May 21, 2025
Tampa Bay has made some notable changes to its linebacker corps this offseason. In addition to Russell’s departure, starting linebacker K.J. Britt signed with the Miami Dolphins. However, the Buccaneers were able to retain veteran star Lavonte David and added Anthony Walker from the Dolphins to help fill the void left by Britt’s departure. The team is also hopeful that SirVocea Dennis, who was hampered by injury last season, will take a step forward in 2025.
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