Former Cardinals DL Signs With Broncos

Former Arizona Cardinals DL Rashard Lawrence has found a new home.

The Denver Broncos announced they inked Lawrence to a futures contract this week. Lawrence was drafted by Arizona in 2020 as a fourth-round pick and spent three seasons with the Cardinals before being released ahead of final roster cuts in 2023.

Lawrence then bounced from practice squads of the Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans before now signing with Denver. He did not feature in any regular season games in 2023 and played just five games for Arizona in 2022. 

Lawrence spent time on injured reserve in all three of his seasons in the desert. His rookie season saw him land on the list with a calf injury while 2021 (calf again) and 2022 (shoulder) saw similar fates. He played just 25 games total. 

The futures contract ensures Lawrence will remain under contract with Denver, though it's not "official" until the start of the new league year in March. His contract will not count against the 2024 salary cap and other teams aren't able to sign Lawrence.

The Cardinals previously signed 12 players to future contracts earlier this month:

• Offensive lineman Marquis Hayes

• Running back Tony Jones

• Tight end Bernhard Seikovits

• Wide receiver Jeff Smith

• Cornerback Quavian White

• Wide receiver Daniel Arias

• Cornerback Darren Hall

• Safety Verone McKinley III 

• Offensive lineman Austen Pleasants

The 2024 NFL league year will begin on Mar. 13.