The Arizona Cardinals have officially re-signed punter Blake Gillikin to a one-year contract worth up to $2.65 million, according to Mike Garafolo. This agreement marks Gillikin’s fourth season with the team following his journey as an undrafted free agent from Penn State in 2020.
Gillikin’s Professional Journey and Recent Performance
After going undrafted, Gillikin initially signed with the New Orleans Saints, where he completed a typical three-year free agent deal. Upon entering unrestricted free agency, he was re-signed by the Saints but was released after the preseason. The Cardinals then added him to their roster, and he has since remained with Arizona.
In the 2025 season, Gillikin played in five games for the Cardinals. During that time, he punted 22 times for a total of 1,138 yards, recording two touchbacks and successfully landing eight punts inside the 20-yard line, demonstrating his contribution to the team’s field positioning.
Implications of the Deal and Next Steps for the Cardinals
By retaining Gillikin, the Cardinals reinforce their special teams unit with a reliable punter who has effectively adapted to the team’s system over multiple seasons. This one-year contract gives the team flexibility while providing Gillikin an opportunity to continue proving his value on the field during the upcoming NFL campaign.
