Free agent OL Max Garcia leaves Cardinals to sign with Giants

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Free agent guard Max Garcia is departing the Arizona Cardinals and signed Monday with the New York Giants.

Garcia played 69% of the snaps for Arizona in 2021, his third year with the team. Now he joins a staff led by first-year coach Brian Daboll.

Overall, he played in 36 games with the Cardinals after signing in 2019 following a torn ACL in his third year with the Denver Broncos.

This past season was one of importance for Garcia, who was used in reserve action prior but required to start 11 games in 2021 as a guard and a center.

According to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro, the Cardinals hosted free agent guard Will Hernandez over the weekend, and NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported Monday he will indeed sign with Arizona.

Hernandez, who played for the Giants from 2018-2021, attended college at UTEP under then-head coach Sean Kugler, Arizona’s current offensive line coach and run game coordinator.

The Cardinals will return Justin Pugh at left guard and should have Justin Murray (back) recovered by training camp to compete at right guard or add depth there or at right tackle. Third-year pro Josh Jones could also provide depth at right guard and tackle, while center/guard Sean Harlow is under contract and can back up starter Rodney Hudson.

Arizona additionally has guards Danny Isidora and Koda Martin under contract.

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