ARIZONA CARDINALS

Cardinals sign S Verone McKinley III to practice squad, release LB Caleb Johnson

Jan 3, 2024, 1:51 PM

Verone McKinley III...

Verone McKinley III is the newest addition to the Cardinals' practice squad. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)

(Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)

The Arizona Cardinals announced the signing of safety Verone McKinley III to the practice squad on Wednesday.

In a corresponding move, the Cardinals released linebacker Caleb Johnson, who was added to the practice squad a week ago.

The 5-foot-10 McKinley was most recently a member of the Miami Dolphins practice squad before being released on Dec. 6. He spent his entire season to that point on the Dolphins practice squad.

He was signed by Miami as an undrafted free agent out of Oregon in 2022 and spent the first half of his rookie season on its practice squad before being promoted to the active roster in November.

He played in 10 of the Dolphins’ final 11 games in 2022, recording an interception in a Week 11 win over the Houston Texans in which he also recorded a QB hit.

McKinley, 23 years old, finished the season with 16 tackles in addition to the one interception and one QB hit in 10 games played.

While at Oregon, he tallied 172 tackles, two for loss, 11 interceptions, 21 passes defensed, two fumbles forced and one fumble recovery in 38 games played. His Ducks career included two Pac-12 Championship titles, a Rose Bowl win and a Fiesta Bowl loss.

The Cardinals house five safeties on their active roster including Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson, Joey Blount, Andre Chachere and Qwuantrezz Knight.

Arizona Cardinals

Trey Benson, cardinals...

Alex Weiner

Cardinals RBs Emari Demercado, Trey Benson credit James Conner’s leadership

The Cardinals dominated on the ground against the Bears on Sunday, and young running backs Emari Demercado and Trey Benson credited James Conner's leadership.

17 hours ago

Darren Hall...

Damon Allred

Waived Cardinals DB Darren Hall claimed by Colts, WR Chris Moore released from practice squad

The Arizona Cardinals waived cornerback Darren Hall on Monday after he had played in four of the last five games.

19 hours ago

Arizona Cardinals DC Nick Rallis and WR Michael Wilson chat during training camp...

Tyler Drake

‘It’s greatness:’ The true meaning behind Nick Rallis naming son after Cardinals’ Kyzir White

Arizona Cardinals DC Nick Rallis opened up Tuesday about the true meaning behind naming his son after team captain Kyzir White.

19 hours ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: NFL Network reporter Omar Ruiz believes Cardinals have a ‘franchise’ quarterback in Kyler Murray

NFL Network reporter/anchor Omar Ruiz joined Bickley & Marotta to talk about the growth and maturity of Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray.

1 day ago

Marshon Lattimore #23 of the New Orleans Saints leaves the field following a game against the Denve...

Arizona Sports

NFL trade deadline latest: Commanders land CB Marshon Lattimore

Za'Darius Smith is headed from the Browns to the Lions, and the Saints traded Marshon Lattimore to the Commanders.

1 day ago

Arizona Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort and owner Michael Bidwill chat. The NFL trade deadline looms f...

Tyler Drake

What other positions could Cardinals still target this NFL trade deadline?

After the Arizona Cardinals traded for pass-rushing help on Monday, what other positions could they still target ahead of the NFL trade deadline?

1 day ago

Cardinals sign S Verone McKinley III to practice squad, release LB Caleb Johnson