FORMER Suns defender turned NFL cornerback Joel Wilkinson has felt the ruthless sting of pre-season cuts, let go by the Arizona Cardinals after just three months.

Wilkinson, 24, signed on as a cornerback with the Cardinals in February after giving away Aussie Rules in July last year to pursue a career in American football.

On Thursday morning Australian time, Wilkinson was officially waived by Arizona, as one of four players released from the team early into the pre-season schedule. There are now nine Australians currently on NFL contracts.

Wilkinson pictured being welcomed by coach Bruce Arians earlier this year. Photo: Arizona Caridinals Source: Supplied

NFL teams must have 90 players on the roster before rookie mini-camps begin this weekend, followed by organised training activities starting later this month, training camp in July and pre-season games in August, until eventually coaching staff decide on a final 53-man roster in readiness for the season to start in September.

Wilkinson began his AFL career with Gold Coast in their debut season. He played two years with the Suns before being delisted at the end of 2013, and joined the Northern Blues in the VFL.

The 1.85m tall, 86kg cornerback is now a free agent and eligible to be signed by another NFL team.