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Former Cardinals Captain Officially Closes Door on Reunion

This former Arizona Cardinals player won't be returning.
Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Kyzir White (7) and linebacker Victor Dimukeje (52) against the New England Patriots at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Kyzir White (7) and linebacker Victor Dimukeje (52) against the New England Patriots at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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ARIZONA -- Former Arizona Cardinals captain Kyzir White is no longer a free agent.

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz on X, White is signing with the Tennessee Titans ahead of the regular season beginning this week:

"Sources: The #Titans are signing former #Cardinals LB Kyzir White. White had 137 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 9 TFLs with Arizona last season. The Titans have been looking to add another LB for a while. Kyzir White ranked top 15 in tackles last season, and has always been a good blitzer."

White recently visited with the Indianapolis Colts before landing in Tennessee.

Kyzir White Reunion Hopes Officially Put to Rest

Arizona Cardinals LB Kyzir Whit
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Kyzir White (7) holds onto the ball after intercepting a Dallas Cowboys pass in the end zone in the second half at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sept. 24, 2023. | Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Many in the desert had hoped White would be interested in a reunion with the Cardinals after spending two seasons with the organization - establishing himself as a captain in both campaigns under head coach Jonathan Gannon, who he previously played under with the Philadelphia Eagles.

White was incredibly productive during his time in Arizona. Through two years and 28 games - all of which he started - White tallied 227 tackles, six passes defensed and 4.5 sacks.

"He (was) a captain so that's a challenge from a leadership standpoint, and the defense," said Gannon during the offseason.

The Cardinals let White's contract run its course and opted not to re-sign him.

How Cardinals, Kyzir Move From Here

Arizona Cardinals LB Kyzir Whit
Arizona Cardinals Kyzir White (7) chats with teammate Budda Baker (3) during training camp at State Farm Stadium on Aug 6, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. | Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Cardinals, instead of White, opted to sign free agent linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither before drafting fourth-round pick Cody Simon in this year's draft.

Both of those moves felt like the door was closed on White possibly coming back to the desert, though after a training camp/preseason where neither new arrival truly impressed, there was some hope the Cardinals would bring back one of their leaders on defense.

Now, White joins a Titans team where he could possibly start down the road in Tennessee. James Williams and Cody Barton are the current projected starters.

White himself spoke on the news shortly after it was announced:

The Cardinals will see White in Week 5, when the Titans pay a visit to State Farm Stadium.

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Donnie Druin
DONNIE DRUIN

Donnie Druin is the Publisher for Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Suns On SI. Donnie moved to Arizona in 2012 and has been with the company since 2018. In college he won "Best Sports Column" in the state of Arizona for his section and has previously provided coverage for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona State Sun Devils. Follow Donnie on Twitter @DonnieDruin for more news, updates, analysis and more!

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