Former Vikings CB Jeff Gladney signs with Cardinals; DT Jordan Phillips cut

The Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday signed 2020 first-round pick Jeff Gladney to a two-year deal, adding a starting-caliber player to their cornerback group, while cutting veteran defensive lineman Jordan Phillips.

The 6-foot-6, 341-pound Phillips signed a three-year deal worth up to $40 million before the 2020 season but appeared in only 18 of 33 games due to multiple injuries. He had five sacks and 33 tackles with the Cardinals the past two years.

Gladney, 25, was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the 31st pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He was arrested in April 2021 after allegedly assaulting his former girlfriend and indicted by a Texas grand jury that August. That led to his release by the Vikings.

On Thursday, Gladney was found not guilty on a felony assault charge that alleged he “intentionally, knowingly and recklessly” impeded his girlfriend’s breathing by applying pressure to her neck and throat area, according to the indictment.

“Unfortunately, Jeff has lost a year of his career,” Gladney’s agents, Brian E. Overstreet and Rodney Williams, said in a statement to the Pro Football Network last week. “We sincerely hope that the NFL will take a page from the criminal justice system going forward and truly believe these guys are innocent until proven guilty.

“Today, Jeff is in a good place and we look forward to engaging with NFL teams about furthering his career at the appropriate time. Out of respect for the process, we will have no further comments at this time.”

In 16 games and 15 starts over the course of his rookie season, Gladney posted 83 total tackles, three passes defensed and one forced fumble.

Arizona has a hole to fill at corner with veteran Robert Alford in free agency.

Byron Murphy and second-year defensive back Marco Wilson make up the other two primary spots at the position.

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