The Arizona Cardinals have been making waves in this year’s free agency, with GM Monti Ossenfort leading the charge to revamp the roster. The Cardinals are aiming to step up in the fiercely competitive NFC West, and Ossenfort’s aggressive approach suggests they’re ready to move beyond the basement.
To date, Ossenfort has signed 20 players, nearly half a roster, with a mix of nine offensive players, four on special teams, and seven on defense. This is just the beginning, as we enter the second wave of free agency. Often, players and agents hold out for better deals, waiting for the market to settle, while others quickly secure spots to ensure they’re in training camp rather than exploring other leagues or jobs.
The big question remains: has Ossenfort addressed all the Cardinals’ issues?
On offense, he’s brought in a seasoned backup QB, Gardner Minshew, and bolstered the running back depth with Tyler Allgeier and Zonovan Knight. The offensive line sees a major upgrade with the addition of Isaac Seumalo, one of the top interior linemen available, and new right tackle Elijah Wilkinson.
At wide receiver, Kendrick Bourne and Simi Fehoko add depth, while Andrew Pryor and Olisaemeka Udoh strengthen the offensive line further. A blocking tight end, Teagan Quitoriano, rounds out the additions.
However, the right guard position remains a concern. Currently, Isaiah Adams is slated as the starter, backed up by Matt Pryor. This could be a sticking point heading into April.
Adams, a third-round pick in 2024, had a promising start but struggled in live games. Last season, he played in all 17 games with 11 starts, but the offensive line struggled, ranking 26th in the league. The run game suffered after injuries to the starting backs, leaving backups to carry the load.
Adams, alongside left guard Evan Brown and tackle Kelvin Beachum, faced criticism for the line's inconsistency. Ossenfort addressed some of these issues by signing Seumalo and letting Beachum explore free agency.
Center Hjalte Froholdt and left tackle Paris Johnson remain strong points on the line, with Johnson returning from injury. Wilkinson’s signing shores up right tackle, but right guard remains unresolved.
Adams showed promise during training camp but faltered in games, leading to a benching by Week 5. He returned due to injuries but continued to struggle, especially in run blocking, earning a PFF grade of 57.2 with seven penalties and 23 pressures allowed in 11 games.
If Adams doesn’t improve in training camp, the coaching staff may need to reassess his role. Will Hernandez, another option, is currently unsigned but could return on a lesser deal. He faced injuries last year, impacting his availability.
Behind Adams, Matt Pryor offers a solid alternative. His PFF grade of 71.6 last season, with minimal sacks and pressures allowed, speaks to his capability. He may emerge as the starter or compete at right tackle.
Olisaemeka Udoh is another possibility, with experience in 22 starts, 14 at right guard.
Ossenfort might not be done yet. He could still be eyeing free agents or considering draft options. Veterans like Kevin Zeitler or younger talents like James Daniels could be on his radar, despite their own concerns.
With the NFL draft approaching, the Cardinals hold the #3 pick. While it’s unlikely they’ll use it on a guard, trading down could land them prospects like Francis Mauigoa or Vega Ioane.
Regardless of the final moves, one thing is clear: the Cardinals’ offensive line has undergone a much-needed transformation. If the offense struggles this year, it won’t be due to lack of effort in building a solid line.