ESPN’s Schatz projects Colts OT Braden Smith as free-agent signing for Cardinals
ESPN's Aaron Schatz projected Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Braden Smith as a potential free-agent signing for the Cardinals.
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Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Braden Smith was listed by ESPN’s Aaron Schatz as a potential free-agent signing for the Arizona Cardinals.
Schatz noted Smith’s effectiveness as a pass-blocker, as well as impending free agents Jonah Williams and Kelvin Beachum, as key reasons for the fit.
Here’s the team with the biggest need for a right tackle, as both Jonah Williams and Kelvin Beachum were low in pass-block win rate last season and are going to be free agents. Smith has been steady for the Colts, ranking 34th out of 68 qualifying players in pass block win rate last season (90.6%).
The veteran tackle has played in 107 games across eight seasons in the NFL. He played 766 snaps across 13 games last season, missing the Colts’ final four games after being placed on injured reserve due to a concussion and neck injury.
The Cardinals enter free agency near the middle of the pack in cap space. Arizona ranks 13th in the NFL at $31.6 million, according to OverTheCap.
How well would Smith fit on the Cardinals?
Offensive tackle remains one of the top positions of need for Arizona, outside of quarterback and running back, heading into free agency and the NFL draft.
The Cardinals’ offensive line struggled throughout the season and was hit hard by injuries. Arizona saw several players miss numerous games due to injuries, including Williams, left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. and left guards Evan Brown and Jon Gaines II. Center Hjalte Froholdt and guard Isaiah Adams were the only starting linemen to play in all 17 games.
While Smith could be a potential free-agent fit for the Cardinals, other experts could see Arizona addressing the need through the draft, as Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa and Utah’s Spencer Fano have been heavily mocked to the Cardinals in the Arizona Sports’ NFL mock draft tracker.
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Comments
2 Comments
I wouldn’t mind signing Braden Smith, dudes a really good RT and it would free up that 3rd overall pick to take a game wrecker like OLB David Bailey or Rueben Bain Jr to pair with Josh Sweat. As rotational guys I think BJ Ojulari finally healthy breaks out in a big way next season, DL Jordan Burch makes a sizable year 2 leap in production and hopefully they had Long armed violent heavy handed 6”5 DL Darius Robinson drop down to 270-275 lbs and they move him to OLB/EDGE where he belongs and will be much more productive. I think they sign Malik Willis to come in an compete with Brissett to start at Qb as well possibly even drafting a Ty Simpson or Garrett Nussenheimer who redshirt their rookie year.
I like the optomisim, I know I cant spell