Arizona Cardinals, OL Justin Pugh agree on restructured contract

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The Arizona Cardinals and offensive lineman Justin Pugh have agreed to a one-year deal worth $5.5 million guaranteed with $1.5 million in incentives, per Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro.

Pugh, who was entering the final season of his five-year contract, was expected to make $9.8 million and carry a cap hit of $11.84 million in 2022, according to Spotrac.

The lineman celebrated the signing earlier Sunday afternoon.

Looks like #AZCardinals OL Justin Pugh is ready to roll for Year 10.

He was already signed through 2022, so maybe a restructured contract?

Either way, the lineman isn’t done in the desert just yet.

(Also, solid moves) pic.twitter.com/6HEmQHf5Ps

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) March 14, 2022

This isn’t the first time the lineman has re-worked his contract to free up cap space, taking a pay cut last offseason to remain in the desert.

Pugh returns for a fifth season in Arizona since heading to the Valley in 2018 after five seasons with the New York Giants.

Pugh played in 14 games last season as the team’s starting left guard.

His play helped the team rack up 2,076 rushing yards (10th in the NFL) and 23 touchdowns on the ground (tied for third in the league) in 2022.

Quarterback Kyler Murray improved behind Pugh and the rest of the offensive line as well, completing 69.2% of his passes for 3,787 yards and 24 touchdowns to 10 interceptions despite missing three games due to injury.

Cardinals general manager Steve Keim has stayed busy in the days leading up to the start of free agency this week.

The news of Pugh’s signing comes after the team agreed to terms with tight end Zach Ertz on a three-year deal worth a reported $31.65 million with $17.5 million guaranteed.

Arizona also restructured Devon Kennard’s contract that opens up about $7 million in cap space and keeps the linebacker in Arizona. The same day, the Cardinals tendered running back Jonathan Ward and wide receiver Antoine Wesley to exclusive rights offers last week.

Additionally, the Cardinals parted ways with linebacker Jordan Hicks in a move that saves Arizona $6.5 million and is $3 million in dead money, according to OverTheCap.com.

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