Devon Key has been signed by the Denver Broncos to a one-year exclusive rights free agent tender worth $960,000. Key, a safety standing at 6-0 and weighing 208 pounds, entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021. After a brief period with the Atlanta Falcons, he joined the Broncos' practice squad in 2022. In the most recent season, Key showed his potential by appearing in all 17 games, making two starts, accumulating 33 tackles, and securing one sack.

Alongside Key, the Broncos have also extended ERFA tenders to other players including cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian, outside linebacker Dondrea Tillman, tight end Lucas Krull, and defensive lineman Jordan Jackson. Key's performance last season positioned him as a valuable rotational player, reflecting the Broncos' strategy of retaining young talents to solidify their defense.

Arizona Cardinals have finalized a significant two-year contract with defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, with total base values reported at $29 million. However, the guaranteed amount is adjusted from the originally reported $16 million down to $13.5 million.

Tomlinson's contract strategically includes three void years, enabling the prorating of his signing bonus, set at $8.5 million, over five years rather than two. This design allows the Cardinals to navigate their salary cap more efficiently, providing an opportunity for potential savings should they choose to release him before the next season begins.

His cap hit for the current year is $7.644 million, jumping to $16.2 million in 2026 if he remains on the roster. Additionally, Tomlinson's contract has performance-based incentives with per-game bonuses, plus workout bonuses each year. Overall, his signing represents a crucial move for the Cardinals as they bolster their defensive line with a versatile player.

Baron Browning has secured a notable two-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals, valued at $15 million and potentially rising to $19 million through incentives. His contract highlights include performance-based bonuses tied to sack milestones, with the potential for an escalated salary in 2026 based on his success. The structure allows Browning to earn bonuses of up to $2 million across both contract years for achieving specified sack totals, highlighting the team’s commitment to rewarding performance and enhancing defensive productivity.

The Cardinals' current roster after free agency includes several other players with confirmed deals, leading to a total cap hit of nearly $26 million this year. Browning's contract is part of a larger strategy as the team prepares for competitive play, with additional signings still pending confirmation. This strategic investment reflects both the Cardinals' efforts to strengthen their defensive lineup and the intricate dynamics of NFL contract negotiations.

The Arizona Cardinals were keen to add defensive lineman Milton Williams, but ultimately lost him to the New England Patriots, who signed him to a hefty four-year, $104 million contract. Despite his impressive 14.2% pressure rate, doubts linger about whether he can maintain that efficiency over a larger number of snaps, considering he has never surpassed five sacks in a season. This raises concerns about the risk associated with such a significant investment.

In another move, the Cardinals secured 31-year-old defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson for a more budget-friendly two-year deal worth $29 million. This decision may prove wise, given Tomlinson's experience and recent performance, which outpaces Williams’ career statistics. The Cardinals also acquired pass rushers Josh Sweat and Baron Browning, further enhancing their defensive lineup while avoiding the potential pitfalls of Williams' costly deal.