The Cardinals doubled their win total in 2024, finishing the year with eight victories after back-to-back four win seasons. It's a step in the right direction for the Cardinals as general manager Monti Ossenfort is set to improve the team heading into 2025. While Ossenfort is credited for piecing together strong draft classes, the organization will take its swing at free agency first.
Free Agent primer schedule: Defensive Line March 6
Cap hit of players under contract for 2025 (via OverTheCap.com): Jonah Williams ($16,060,000), Paris Johnson Jr. ($7,650,671), Hjalte Froholdt ($4,173,333), Isaiah Adams ($1,357,904), Jon Gaines II ($1,213,060), Nick Leverett ($1,170,000), Christian Jones ($1,037,614), McClendon Curtis ($1,037,614), Sincere Haynesworth ($840,000), Matt Jones ($840,000)
Analysis: Since Monti Ossenfort and Jonathan Gannon came to town, improving the offensive line has been a point of emphasis. The unit has backed it up in consecutive seasons with James Conner achieving back-to-back seasons with 1,000-plus rushing yards. As much as that's a credit to Conner, it's a testament to the big boys up front.
The offensive line starts with Hjalte Froholdt. Before his time in the Valley, Froholdt spent time at both guard and center, but upon arrival, he flourished as the Cardinals center. A bright spot in 2023, Ossenfort rewarded Froholdt by giving him a contract extension prior to the 2024 season.
The Cardinals have also invested in their bookend tackles. After drafting Paris Johnson Jr. in 2023, the Cardinals moved him from right to left tackle the following season. Despite ending the season on Injured Reserve, Johnson proved capable to be the franchise's left tackle of the future. Now he'll reunite with Justin Frye, the new offensive line coach who worked with Johnson at Ohio State. The other tackle, Jonah Williams, played well when he played, but was derailed a good chunk of the season with knee injuries.
The focus heading into free agency and the draft will likely be on the interior offensive line and depth. Tackle Kelvin Beachum, left guard Evan Brown, and right guard Will Hernandez are scheduled to be free agents. Each played quality snaps throughout the 2024 season. If the Cardinals opt not to re-sign those players, they'll likely lean on 2024 draft picks guard Isaiah Adams and offensive tackle Christian Jones.
Notable past free agent offensive lineman signings: Williams (2024); Froholdt (2023); Hernandez (2022); Beachum (2020); Justin Pugh (2018); Andre Smith (2018); Alex Boone (2017); Earl Watford (2017); Evan Mathis (2016); Mike Iupati (2015); A.Q. Shipley (2015); Jared Veldheer (2014); Ted Larsen (2014); Eric Winston (2013); Adam Snyder (2012); Daryn Colledge (2011); Rex Hadnot (2010); Mike Gandy (2007); Al Johnson (2007); Milford Brown (2006); Oliver Ross (2005); Pete Kendall (2001); Mike Gruttadauria (2000); Lester Holmes (1998); Lomas Brown (1996).
A look at some of the top offensive lineman across the NFL who are scheduled to become free agents in mid-March
Atlanta Falcons center Drew Dalman (67) works during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Atlanta. The Chargers defeated the Falcons 17-13. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Indianapolis Colts guard Will Fries (75) sets up to block against the Houston Texans during an NFL football game, Saturday Jan. 6, 2024 in Indianapolis. The Texans won 23-19. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) waits for the snap during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024 in Seattle. The Vikings defeated the Seahawks 27-24. (Greg Trott via AP)
Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Mekhi Becton (77) lines up before the snap during the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71) blocks during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Monday, Dec 30, 2024, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Scot Tucker)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco (15) prepares for the snap from center Ryan Kelly (78) during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Minneapolis. The Vikings defeated the Colts 21-13. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Chicago Bears guard Teven Jenkins (76) lines up on the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in London. The Bears defeated the Jaguars 35-16. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Joe Noteboom (70) waits for the snap during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 in Inglewood, Calif. The Dolphins defeated the Rams 23-15. (Greg Trott via AP)
Jacksonville Jaguars guard Brandon Scherff (68) blocks against New York Jets defensive end Solomon Thomas (94) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Baltimore Ravens guard Patrick Mekari (65) drops back to block during an NFL football wild card playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Baltimore. (Cooper Neill via AP)
