Cardinals Sign First-Round Pick Walter Nolen to Rookie Contract

The Arizona Cardinals have officially signed their 2025 first-round draft pick, defensive lineman Walter Nolen III, to a four-year rookie contract worth $19.3 million, including a $10.7 million signing bonus. Nolen, who was the 16th overall pick and a former Ole Miss standout, is expected to bolster the Cardinals' defensive line, an area that struggled with quarterback pressure last season. He was a consensus first-team All-American and made significant collegiate contributions to run defense and pass rushing, transferring from Texas A&M to Ole Miss for his final season. The contract includes a fifth-year team option, which the Cardinals will decide on in 2028. Nolen has been actively participating in the team's offseason programs, and his signing allows him to fully focus on football as the team heads into mandatory minicamp. With Nolen signed, the Cardinals have locked down six of their seven 2025 draft picks, with only second-round cornerback Will Johnson remaining unsigned.