Arizona Cardinals QB Clayton Tune Among First Wave Of Roster Cuts

The Arizona Cardinals delivered their first batch of necessary roster decisions Monday afternoon, releasing 12 players as they work toward the mandatory 53-man roster deadline. Among those let go was Quarterback Clayton Tune, whose two-year tenure with the organization has come to an end.

The former fifth-round selection from the 2023 NFL Draft found himself on the wrong side of roster mathematics. Tune had carved out a role as backup to Kyler Murray last season, beating out Desmond Ridder for the position. However, the numbers game caught up with the 25-year-old QB who played college football at Houston. Where will Tune end up?

Clayton Tune’s Resume 

Over his two seasons in the desert, Tune appeared in 13 games with one start, completing 14-of-23 pass attempts for 70 yards and 2 interceptions. While those statistics hardly jump off the page, he showed flashes of potential during his limited opportunities. The Cardinals still have the option to bring Tune back on their 16-man practice squad, where he could serve as the developmental quarterback the organization values for depth and continuity.

Cardinals’ Other Roster Moves 

Head Coach Jonathan Gannon acknowledged the difficulty making cuts following the Cardinals‘ preseason finale victory over Las Vegas. The third-year coach emphasized how the month-long evaluation period showcased significant player development across the roster.

“What really makes it hard is, and it’s a credit to the players and the coaches, is a lot of guys developed,” Gannon said. “Player development – that’s what you have to set out to do for a month when you’re at it. You have to get better every day as a football player. I think a lot of guys did that.”

The Cardinals must trim their roster to 53 players by 1:00 p.m. MST on Tuesday. With 79 players currently on the roster following Monday’s moves, more difficult decisions await the coaching staff and front office.

Other Cardinals Players Released

The organization also parted ways with several other contributors who battled throughout training camp and preseason:

• Andre Baccellia – The veteran wide receiver spent four seasons with Arizona after joining in 2021, appearing in 13 games with seven career receptions for 45 yards.
• Ekow Boye-Doe – The cornerback competed for a roster spot in a crowded defensive backfield throughout the summer.
• Oscar Cardenas – The tight end fought for position on a depth chart that features established veterans.
• McClendon Curtis – The offensive lineman provided depth during training camp as the unit dealt with various injuries.
• Steven Gilmore – The defensive back brought experience to a secondary looking for reliable contributors.
• Patrick Jenkins – The defensive lineman was signed as an undrafted rookie but could not secure a roster position.
• Vi Jones – The linebacker competed in a deep group that features several established veterans.
• Roy Mbaeteka – The Nigerian remains eligible to return to the practice squad under the international exemption program.
• Nate McCollum – The wide receiver was recently signed to provide depth, but fell victim to roster numbers.
• Dohnovan West – The former Arizona State offensive lineman was added before the preseason finale but could not crack the final roster.
• Benton Whitley – The linebacker battled throughout camp but was unable to secure a position in the final group.