ARIZONA CARDINALS

The Athletic: Offensive line biggest group of need for Cardinals

Feb 26, 2023, 7:30 PM | Updated: 7:32 pm
Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals looks toward the side line from the huddle for...
Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals looks toward the side line from the huddle for the play call against the Seattle Seahawks in the first quarter of the game at State Farm Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Arizona Cardinals fans are familiar with the offensive line woes the franchise has endured over the years.

As quarterback Kyler Murray is recovering from a torn ACL against the New England Patriots last season, keeping him upright and healthy will be one of the biggest needs for Arizona going forward.

With center Rodney Hudson unlikely to return and three members of the room becoming unrestricted free agents, The Athletic’s Doug Haller said that the Cardinals need to reshape the offensive line.

The Cardinals have several needs. Who will start the season at quarterback if Kyler Murray is not fully recovered from his ACL injury? Who will replace J.J. Watt as a consistent pass rusher? Arizona still needs help at cornerback. But its biggest need rests up front. The Cardinals pretty much have to rebuild their offensive line. Veteran center Rodney Hudson played in only four games last season and is expected to retire. Guards Justin Pugh and Will Hernandez, as well as right tackle Kelvin Beachum, are unrestricted free agents. Arizona would be wise to try to keep Beachum, a trusted and dependable presence on and off the field. But there’s much to do here.

Haller raises the point that the Cardinals, a team that finished 3-14 last season, have many other needs other than the offensive line. Most teams drafting at No. 3 overall are there for a reason.

Despite needs all over the field, Arizona signed Murray to a five-year, $230.5 million ($160 million guaranteed) last offseason and is the franchise’s cornerstone of the future.

The Cardinals were the ninth-worst team in the league at allowing pass rushers in the backfield, seeing the quarterback go down 46 times over 17 games. Although, Arizona did attempt the fourth-most passes in the league at 664.

Additionally, Arizona posted the 11th-lowest total rushing yards with 1,873 (4.3 YPC).

The Cardinals currently only have tackles D.J. Humphries and Josh Jones and guards Lecitus Smith and Marquis Hayes under contract for 2023 (Hudson would also on the last year of his deal).

An upgraded offensive line could not only bolster the run and pass game but be vital to Murray staying healthy and taking the next step towards the stardom that the Cardinals paid him for.

Arizona Cardinals

Dennis Daley #71 of the Tennessee Titans walks off of the field against the Green Bay Packers at La...
Tyler Drake

Cardinals agree to 2-year deal with former Titans OL Dennis Daley

The Arizona Cardinals agreed to terms with former Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Dennis Daley on Tuesday, the team announced.
23 hours ago
Arizona Cardinals CB Antonio Hamilton (Jeremy Schnell/Arizona Sports)...
Tyler Drake

Cardinals agree to terms with CB Antonio Hamilton, 2 more

The Cardinals agreed to terms on one-year deals with CB Antonio Hamilton and DL L.J. Collier, the team announced Tuesday.
23 hours ago
Monti Ossenfort, new general manager of the Arizona Cardinals NFL football team, speaks during a ne...
Tyler Drake

2023 NFL Mock Draft Tracker: What will the Cardinals do with 3rd pick?

A look at the players being mocked to the Arizona Cardinals at No. 3 overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
23 hours ago
Alabama linebacker Will Anderson speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting comb...
Kevin Zimmerman

Could Cardinals trade down and still draft Will Anderson Jr.?

Will Anderson Jr. is the crown jewel of the non-QBs. The Arizona Cardinals might be able to trade down in the 2023 NFL Draft and pick him.
23 hours ago
Arizona Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins. (Arizona Sports Photo/Jeremy Schnell)...
Arizona Sports

DeAndre Hopkins trade talks heating up, per report

Interested teams in Arizona Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins are ramping up, reports NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
23 hours ago
Zach Pascal #3 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts against the San Francisco 49ers during the second ...
Tyler Drake

Cardinals agree to terms with WR Zach Pascal, QB David Blough

The Cardinals have agreed to terms with WR Zach Pascal and QB David Blough on a two- and one-year deal, respectively, the team announced.
2 days ago
The Athletic: Offensive line biggest group of need for Cardinals