Arizona Cardinals sign former Edmonton Elks DL Elliott Brown to NFL futures contract

Photo: Arizona Cardinals. Photo edit: 3DownNation.

The Arizona Cardinals have signed former CFL defensive lineman Elliott Brown to an NFL futures contract, retaining his rights for next season after he finished 2025 on the practice roster.

The 27-year-old signed with the Cardinals in January after working out for at least two NFL teams. He was waived following training camp and subsequently added to the practice roster for the first two weeks of the season. Brown was briefly released on September 18, but was brought back a week later.

The six-foot-four, 230-pound edge rusher was a member of the Edmonton Elks in 2024 and started all 18 regular-season games along the defensive line. Brown recorded 44 defensive tackles, eight sacks — which tied for the league lead — and one forced fumble. In 2023, he made 10 defensive tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble over nine games with the Green and Gold.

The native of Odenton, Md. played five collegiate seasons at the University of Virginia, making 61 total tackles, five sacks, and one interception over 53 games. He broke out as a senior in 2021 when he made five starts and notched 42 total tackles and three sacks.

Brown’s rookie contract with the Elks would have expired on February 10 of this year, meaning the team will no longer own his CFL rights after that point. Should he opt to return to Canada in the future, he will be a free agent.

The Cardinals failed to reach the NFL playoffs in 2025, finishing last in the NFC West with a 3-14 record.