Kennard was released by the Cardinals on Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Kennard's release comes as somewhat of a surprise given his familiarity with Arizona's defense and overall playing experience. The ninth-year linebacker recorded 43 tackles, three sacks and two passes defended over 28 regular-season games during the past two seasons with the Cardinals. With Kennard gone, rookie outside linebackers Myjai Sanders and Cameron Thomas should step into larger roles in the team's defense.