The Cardinals re-signed backup offensive tackle Bradley Sowell (79) to a one-year contract Thursday.

Bradley Sowell was the man the Cardinals turned to in 2013 when they were desperate to find a left tackle, and last year, he provided the safety net at both tackle positions – a net unneeded when both Jared Veldheer and Bobby Massie made it through the season unscathed.

But Sowell, whose effort impressed both Bruce Arians and offensive line coach Harold Goodwin, did well enough to remain in

the roster mix. That was shown Thursday, when the Cardinals signed the restricted free-agent-to-be to a new one-year contract.

The Cardinals also signed cornerback Damond Smith – who has not played an NFL game but did play in the CFL -- as they push to increase the roster to the offseason maximum of 90.

Arians recently said he was pleased with the play of both Veldheer and Massie at tackle, and the Cardinals should be set there going into 2015. Sowell, who played for the Colts and Arians in 2013 before the Cardinals claimed him off waivers in 2014, provides the ability to play either side if needed.

The Cardinals are expected to address the interior of the offensive line in either free agency or the draft – or both – as they try to upgrade the group. Arians said he is anxious to have "competition" on the interior of the line. Starting right guard Paul Fanaika is a free agent-to-be, while the Cardinals are still hoping former No. 1 pick Jonathan Cooper can stay healthy and lay claim to the starting left guard spot. Ted Larsen, who can play both guard and center, long-time starting center Lyle Sendlein and guard Earl Watford are among the current players who will be battling for roster spots.