Jack Gibbens Set to Compete for Cardinals’ Linebacker Role

Behind the Arrival

Jack Gibbens reports to Arizona Cardinals training camp on July 22 for his fifth NFL season. The linebacker entered the league as a rookie free agent out of Minnesota and originally signed with the Tennessee Titans. He spent three seasons with Tennessee, appearing in 29 games and starting 20 of them.

After leaving Tennessee, Gibbens joined the New England Patriots in 2025. He played 17 games, starting eight, and posted 81 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and three quarterback hits. Gibbens also saw time on special teams, recording a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Statistical Snapshot 2023–2024

In 2023, while with the Titans, Gibbens started 13 of 14 games and tallied 95 total tackles. He added one sack, three tackles for loss, and three pass breakups that season. He also logged 491 defensive snaps and 281 special‑team snaps during his NFL career.

With the Patriots, his 2025 year produced 81 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, and one sack. Gibbens also recorded four pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery on defense. His overall defensive workload was heavy, with more than 770 snaps split between the two teams.

Contract Details

Gibbens signed a two‑year, $7.5 million deal with Arizona this offseason. He received a $2 million signing bonus and a fully guaranteed $2 million base salary. His cap hit for 2026 exceeds $3.7 million.

Roster Battle and Role Outlook

Gibbens is considered a lock to make the Cardinals roster. He will compete with Cody Simon for a starting linebacker spot next to Mack Wilson. If he does not win the starting job, Gibbens is expected to fill a similar role to Akeem Davis‑Gaither, playing on defense and serving on special teams. The big question is whether his experience can translate into more than a special‑team contributor.