Most significant move: Without a doubt, the release of quarterbacks Logan Thomas and Phillip Sims was the most significant move the Cardinals made Saturday. It was a foregone conclusion that they’d be released after Arizona traded a conditional seventh-round pick to Philadelphia for Matt Barkley on Friday. It’s a bit head-scratching because Barkley, who has no guarantee of making the roster, hasn’t been lighting up defenses during the preseason. Thomas showed he was a gamer during the Cards’ four preseason games but he continued to struggle in practice, looking inconsistent. Sims, however, was steady for all of camp and the preseason with the exception of the first drive in Thursday’s preseason finale.
Another move that would notch a tad lower on the significant scale was Kerwynn Williams. When reports surfaced that Arizona let go of fullback Robert Hughes, it seemed to open the door for Williams. But the Cardinals will ride with four backs this year – Andre Ellington, Chris Johnson, David Johnson and Stepfan Taylor.
Cards keep two undrafted free agents: Gabe Martin might have had the brains, but Alani Fua had the body, size and athleticism. Fua, an undrafted free agent inside linebacker out of BYU, made the cut and will have a role on defense and special teams. Xavier Williams, an undrafted nose tackle out of Northern Iowa, also made the 53-aman roster and will have an immediate impact on the defense with his quick feet and position flexibility.
What’s next: General manager Steve Keim will keep a close eye on the waiver wire Sunday to see if either Thomas or Sims falls through, because if Barkley doesn’t pan out, either would be a good fit for the Cardinals’ practice squad. There are six or seven other players who were released who could end up on Arizona’s practice squad. But as coach Bruce Arians said this week, he expects four or five to be picked up by other teams. There is one position that Arizona will be keeping an eye on as cuts become public: Cornerback. Arizona kept three true corners with Patrick Peterson, Jerraud Powers and Justin Bethel. Safety Tyrann Mathieu can also play corner when needed, but if the right veteran corner is available, he could become a Cardinal.
Cardinals moves: T Cameron Bradfield, CB Cariel Brooks, CB Jonte Green, G Jon Halapio, WR Trevor Harman, RB Robert Hughes, S Harold Jones-Quartey, RB Paul Lasike, LB Gabe Martin, G Antoine McClain, CB C.J. Roberts, DE Matt Shaughnessy, WR Jaxon Shipley, QB Phillip Sims, G/C Anthony Steen, NT Alameda Ta’amu, QB Logan Thomas, S Anthony Walters, RB Kerwynn Williams, waived/injured RB Marion Grice (shoulder), waived/injured CB Jimmy Legree (calf), injured reserve TE Gerald Christian (knee).