What OL Will Cardinals Target in Free Agency?
ARIZONA -- The Arizona Cardinals' offensive line got better as 2023 went on it seemed. The staff did a good job of working with what they had, and signings such as Will Hernandez and Hjalte Froholdt worked out quite well.
It does not seem that they are sitting on their laurels - if reports such as PHNX Cardinals are to be believed, they will sign a guard to solidify their line.
Here are a few guards (and tackles should they feel the need to replace the injured DJ Humphries) they could look at signing:
Semi Elite
- Mike Onwenu
- Robert Hunt
- Connor Williams
Analysis: The fact that these players would be deemed semi-elite is really a matter of opinion - there is no Brian Burns or Christian Wilkins in most opinions.
Mike Onwenu is a versatile piece that seems ready to move on from the Patriots. He can play anywhere along the offensive line but will likely be overpaid in free agency (though he will likely be a great signing).
Robert Hunt and Connor Williams are two interior pieces from Miami that likely won't be back with the Dolphins. Williams has quite the love from PFF, while Hunt is just 27 and coming into his own. The schemes are not the same but transferring from one Shannahan like scheme to another should fit in theory for Hunt.
Older but Solid Starters
- Jermaine Eluemunor
- Kevin Zeitler
- Tryon Smith
- Aaron Brewer
Analysis: Jermaine Eluemunor would be a solid addition if they want to replace Humphries.
Kevin Zeitler is an aging guard but one that could be a placeholder for a year (though that seems more like a Steve Keim signing).
Tryon Smith is kind of in the same boat, though he could still be considering semi-elite and could possibly be counted on for a few good years at LT.
Aaron Brewer would be a possible depth add on the interior line.
Injury prone
- Mekhi Becton
Analysis: Mekhi Becton is an interesting case. There's a reason he was drafted in the first round and he's still only 24 as of this writing. However he essentially missed 2 seasons of the 4 due to injury. So if Arizona sign him they better have a backup plan.
Other Solid additions
- John Simpson
- Andre James
- Jonah Williams
- Jonah Jackson
- Jon Runyan
Analysis: John Simpson is a hulking guard that would impact the Cardinals' run game much like Hernandez did on the right side.
Andre James would be an ironic add - another ex-Raiders center? He did replace Rodney Hudson after all.
Jonah Williams has played both tackle slots and might want to move on from Cincinnati despite them having the cash.
If there's a player on this list to place a bet on, it may be Jonah Jackson. Jackson was drafted by current Cardinals assistant GM Dave Sears and all signs seem to indicate Detroit may move on.
Jon Runyan has been a solid guard in Green Bay, and they do like to keep their own draft picks, but he has guard versatility that may be of interest to the Cardinals.
Prediction: It's hard to not think that they end up getting one of Jackson or Hunt to solidify their left guard spot. Either should excite Arizona fans who have dealt with terrible offensive lines for too long.
