Austin Keys

Career StatsD

Year	Team	GP	Tkl	Sacks	INT
Career		11	7	1.0	—
2025		11	7	1.0	0

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Austin Keys' three-year, $3.0M deal with the Cardinals ($1.0M AAV) earns an A CVI grade as an exceptional value signing that exemplifies smart roster building at the linebacker position. Locking up a rotational player at just above veteran minimum with minimal guaranteed money ($0.2M) creates tremendous upside with virtually no downside risk for Arizona. The contract structure is particularly savvy — if Keys develops into more than a rotational contributor, the Cardinals have him locked in at below-market rates, while the low guarantee makes him easily cuttable if he doesn't pan out. At this price point, even maintaining his current rotational status provides solid return on investment, as competent linebacker depth typically commands $2-3M annually in today's market. This is the type of low-risk, high-reward deal that allows teams to allocate bigger money to premium positions while still maintaining quality depth across the roster.

Performance Analysis

Austin Keys earns a D for the Cardinals at linebacker, a depth player who has not established himself as a meaningful contributor in Arizona's defense. Keys has some pass-rush ability but lacks the consistency and technique to be an every-down player. He is used in situational packages, and even in those limited snaps, the results have been underwhelming. The Cardinals are rebuilding their defense with younger talent, and Keys is on the periphery of that project. He needs a strong camp showing to keep his place on the roster going forward.