Kaleb Proctor’s Tough Start to Cardinals Training Camp

College Production and Draft Position

Kaleb Proctor, a 6‑foot‑2, 291‑pound defensive lineman, built his resume at Southeastern Louisiana. In 2025 he appeared in 13 games, recording 43 tackles with 13 for loss and nine sacks. The Cardinals selected him in the fourth round of the 2025 draft, signaling confidence in his pass‑rush potential.

Contract Details and Cap Hit

Proctor signed a four‑year rookie deal worth $5.64 million, complete with a $1.26 million signing bonus. The contract carries a $1.26 million salary‑cap charge for Arizona, giving the team manageable payroll impact over the contract’s life. His base salary is structured across the four years, allowing the Cardinals flexibility in future cap planning.

Knee Injury and PUP List Impact

Proctor suffered a knee injury while working out in the offseason, prompting a move to the physically unable to perform (PUP) list for training camp. Head coach Mike LaFleur confirmed the recovery will be lengthy and that Proctor might not see game action this season. The team’s medical staff plans a cautious return timeline ahead of the regular season.

Roster Outlook and Financial Implications

Because of the injury, Proctor’s salary will be reduced on a game‑by‑game basis while on the PUP list. For each regular‑season contest he misses under this designation, he will earn a prorated $515,000 instead of the rookie minimum of $885,000. The Cardinals must weigh his upside as a potential rotational defensive lineman against the risk of a limited on‑field contribution. If he returns to health, he could become a useful rotational player, but his immediate impact remains uncertain.