The Arizona Cardinals apparently had enough of Robert Nkemdiche. The team announced Saturday evening after practice that the former first-round pick had been released.
Nkemdiche was selected 29th overall in the 2016 draft and was mostly a disappointment. He struggled with his health and consistent play. Last season, he showed flashes and had his best season, but he was actually benched from the starting lineup and then tore an ACL in December.
Then, in the offseason, he was arrested and had another traffic incident within a week. He followed those up by showing up to training camp out of shape.
In three seasons, he appeared in 27 games, starting six. He had 44 tackles, 4.5 sacks and a fumble recovery he returned for a touchdown in 2017.
By releasing him, the Cardinals avoid paying him a $400,000 roster bonus that was due on the fifth day of camp. According to Joel Corry, the Cardinals will save nearly $1 million in salary cap space with the move.
The move leaves the Cardinals roster at 88 players.
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