Dante Stills

Career StatsB-

Year	Team	GP	Sacks	Tkl	TFL
Career		48	8.0	123	13
2025		17	0.0	34	3
2024		16	4.5	42	5.5
2023		15

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Above-replacement production at the DT salary tier earns Dante Stills a B Contract Value Index. At $993K AAV on a four-year rookie deal, Stills is locked into cost-controlled compensation that reflects his sixth-round pedigree and incremental production arc—a textbook value arrangement for a depth interior defender. His 2025 season delivered 34 tackles across 17 games, the kind of steady accumulation expected from a rotational contributor, and that output aligns with a B-minus performance grade that acknowledges competence without elite impact. Interior defensive linemen at the $1M salary range typically command proven two-gap discipline or high-motor snaps in a limited role, and Stills fits that profile as a rebuilding-phase Cardinal without overreaching into star money. The recent additions of linebacker and safety depth suggest Arizona is in evaluation mode rather than contention mode, meaning Stills' controlled salary provides organizational flexibility to iterate the roster without long-term financial burden. His three years of experience and modest eight career sacks position him as a known commodity—neither a breakout contract nor a mistake, but exactly what teams need in mid-tier depth roles during a remodel. The CVI grade reflects a player whose contract cost does not outpace his contribution level, making this a stable, if unremarkable, piece of Arizona's cap architecture.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the B band — a quick read on where Dante's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Dante Stills is a three-year veteran defensive tackle entering his prime window at 26 years old, yet his 2025 season has raised concerns about his trajectory. The Arizona Cardinals' interior lineman earned a B- grade overall, but his performance has deteriorated sharply this year, dropping from a C+ in 2024 to a D in 2025, suggesting either scheme misfit or a concerning decline in production. With 48 career games under his belt, Stills remains a depth contributor rather than an anchoring starter. His tackle production sits at 2.00 per game, which exceeds the NFL average of 1.82 and demonstrates solid gap discipline and positioning instincts. However, his pass-rush metrics paint a troubling picture: 0.18 tackles for loss per game trails the NFL average of 0.27, while his 0.12 QB hits per game falls well below the 0.29 benchmark for the position. This gap between run-defense adequacy and pass-rush ineffectiveness suggests Stills lacks the disruptive edge rush needed to impact games consistently against elite offenses. Moving forward, Stills faces a critical 2026 season that will largely define his NFL longevity. If he cannot elevate his pressure rate and tackle-for-loss production—mirroring the upward trajectory elite defensive tackles achieve—he risks settling into a reserve-only role. The Cardinals should monitor whether coaching adjustments or increased snap count opportunities unlock the aggressive, high-motor player his earlier tape suggested, or whether his current performance represents his realistic ceiling as a solid rotational piece.

How Dante Compares at the Position

Dante Stills ranks 65th of 217 graded defensive tackles by performance. That slots Dante between Ricky Barber (B-) just ahead and Levi Drake Rodriguez (B-) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Dante Stills enters 2026 as a depth defensive lineman with modest career production (8 sacks over three seasons) and minimal national profile recognition. The neutral training camp coverage and routine statistical breakdowns offer no momentum, while his inclusion in post-June 1 cut candidate discussions signals organizational uncertainty about his roster status. At $1.0M annually, Stills occupies a classic rotational role—valuable for depth but not a cornerstone piece in Arizona's defensive line rotation. Media perception remains largely indifferent, with no standout performances or accolades to elevate his standing among fans or analysts. Heading into 2026, Stills will need a breakout training camp or preseason to shift from journeyman backup status into legitimate starter consideration.