The Arizona Cardinals have made important moves to reinforce their defensive front by signing defensive lineman L.J. Collier and bringing back defensive tackle Roy Lopez.
Arizona confirmed that Collier will return on a one-year contract worth $2.5 million, while Lopez has agreed to a two-year deal valued around $11 million with significant guaranteed money. The moves strengthen the Cardinals’ defensive line as the team continues to reshape its roster during the offseason.
Both players will now join a defensive group that the Cardinals are working to stabilize heading into the next season.
Contract Details
| Player | Contract Length | Contract Value | Guaranteed Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| L.J. Collier | 1 Year | $2.5 Million | Not specified |
| Roy Lopez | 2 Years | Around $11 Million | About $7–7.5 Million |
These signings provide Arizona with experience and depth on the defensive line.
L.J. Collier Returns After Injury-Shortened Season
Collier spent the 2025 season with Arizona but saw limited action after suffering a knee injury early in the year.
The injury occurred during Arizona’s Week 2 win against Carolina, forcing him to spend most of the season on injured reserve. He later returned late in the season and appeared in a small number of games.
L.J. Collier – 2025 Season Stats
| Category | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 4 |
| Tackles | 6 |
| QB Hits | 2 |
Despite the shortened season, the Cardinals decided to bring him back as part of their defensive rotation.
Also see: Braxton Jones Re-Signs With Bears on One-Year Deal Worth Up to $10 Million
Roy Lopez Returns to Arizona
Lopez returns to the Cardinals after spending the previous season with the Detroit Lions. He previously played for Arizona in the 2023 and 2024 seasons before moving to Detroit.
During the 2025 season with the Lions, Lopez appeared in all games and contributed as a defensive interior presence.
Roy Lopez – 2025 Season Stats
| Category | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 17 |
| Tackles | 30 |
| Sacks | 2 |
| Tackles for Loss | 4 |
| Pass Deflections | 1 |
His experience and familiarity with the Cardinals system played a role in Arizona bringing him back.
Cardinals Defensive Line Depth
With Collier and Lopez returning, the Cardinals now have several defensive linemen competing for roles on the roster.
| Defensive Linemen | Role |
|---|---|
| Walter Nolen III | Defensive line rotation |
| Darius Robinson | Defensive front depth |
| Dante Stills | Interior defensive line |
| L.J. Collier | Edge/defensive line rotation |
| Roy Lopez | Defensive tackle |
The Cardinals may still explore additional options at the position as the offseason continues.
Also see: Rashan Gary Trade: Packers Send Veteran Pass Rusher to Cowboys for 2027 Draft Pick
Other Cardinals Roster Moves
The team has made several roster adjustments recently as part of its offseason strategy.
| Player | Move |
|---|---|
| Chad Ryland | Re-signed on one-year deal |
| Blake Gillikin | Re-signed on one-year deal |
| James Conner | Contract revised |
| Sean Murphy-Bunting | Contract revised |
| Gardner Minshew | Signed as backup quarterback |
| Tyler Allgeier | Signed at running back |
| Jalen Thompson | Signed with Cowboys |
These moves show the team is actively shaping its roster on both sides of the ball.
By bringing back L.J. Collier and Roy Lopez, the Arizona Cardinals continue strengthening their defensive line with experienced players who already understand the team’s system.
The additions provide depth and stability as the Cardinals prepare for the upcoming NFL season while continuing to evaluate further improvements to the roster.
