The Arizona Cardinals’ offensive line had a rough go in 2025 - finishing 26th in league rankings and showing just how much attrition and inconsistency can derail a unit built on chemistry and cohesion.
Injuries were a big part of the story. By the time the season wrapped, three key starters were on injured reserve: right guard Will Hernandez, right tackle Jonah Williams, and offensive tackle Paris Johnson.
And it didn’t stop there - both James Conner and rookie Trey Benson, the team’s top two running backs, also landed on IR. That’s a lot of firepower missing from the offense, and it showed in the trenches.
Let’s talk about the guards, because that’s where things really need to improve. Evan Brown and Isaiah Adams logged the majority of the snaps at the guard spots, but neither made a strong case to be long-term solutions.
Brown posted a 54.3 Pro Football Focus grade, while Adams came in slightly better at 57.2. Hernandez, when healthy, actually graded out worse at 45.3.
Now, Hernandez is set to hit free agency, so there’s a natural opening there. Brown still has a year left on his deal with a $6.41 million cap hit, and Adams is just two years into his rookie contract, earning a modest $1.3 million in base salary next season. Realistically, both could slide into backup roles - especially Adams, who was drafted in the third round in 2024 with the hope he’d develop into a future starter.
So, where does Arizona go from here? The free agency window opens March 9-11, and the Cardinals will be looking hard at options to stabilize the interior of their offensive line. One name that makes a lot of sense: David Edwards.
David Edwards: A Guard Worth Watching
Let’s break down why Edwards could be a strong fit in Arizona.
At 6-foot-6 and 308 pounds, Edwards brings ideal size and a physical presence that’s hard to miss. He’s 28 years old and coming off a solid year with the Buffalo Bills, where he posted a 73.7 PFF grade - a significant upgrade over any of Arizona’s current guards.
Durability? Edwards has it.
Since entering the league in 2019 as a fifth-round pick by the Rams, he’s missed just 14 games. That kind of availability matters, especially for a Cardinals team that’s been snakebitten by injuries up front.
In 2025, Edwards started all 16 games and logged 1,035 offensive snaps - a testament to his toughness and consistency. He gave up just three sacks and committed only three penalties, all while playing left guard. He allowed 27 total pressures, which isn’t elite, but it’s manageable when paired with his strengths in the run game.
And that’s where Edwards really shines - as a run blocker. He’s known for his quickness and ability to get to the second level, often pulling to take out linebackers and springing big gains. He’s not just a mauler; he’s mobile, aggressive, and has the kind of athletic profile that fits well in a zone or gap scheme.
There’s also some positional versatility baked in. Edwards played right tackle at Wisconsin - and not just in spot duty.
He was a three-year starter and a First-Team All-American. That experience gives him a broader understanding of line play and adds value for a team that could use flexibility up front.
Now, he’s not without flaws. Technically, he can get a little raw.
He’ll overextend at times and lose leverage. But those are coachable issues, especially when paired with his motor, size, and athleticism.
Bottom line: Edwards is a plug-and-play option who would immediately raise the floor of Arizona’s offensive line. He won’t come cheap - players with his resume and durability rarely do - but if the Cardinals are serious about protecting their quarterback and establishing a more consistent ground game, this is the kind of move that makes a lot of sense.
As March approaches, expect the Cardinals to be active in reshaping their offensive front. And don’t be surprised if David Edwards is one of the first calls they make.