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Offensive Line Help With Andre Smith Signing

Cardinals also sign quarterback Mike Glennon to a two-year deal

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New Cardinals offensive lineman Andre Smith signs his contract Friday.


The shuffling has begun on the offensive line.

The Cardinals officially signed veteran offensive tackle Andre Smith to a two-year contract Friday, after the team reportedly hosted free-agent guard Justin Pugh of the Giants on a visit. Thursday, the news broke that veteran guard Mike Iupati had agreed to a pay cut to remain on the team. (UPDATE: Pugh reportedly agreed to a deal Friday night.)

The Cardinals also added a veteran backup quarterback Friday, signing Mike Glennon to a two-year contract after signing starter Sam Bradford earlier in the day.

Smith's deal has a reported $2.5 million in guarantees.

"I just wanted to be a part of something new," Smith said. "I feel like I can (help) bring a dominant run game to the team, with (running back) David (Johnson) and whoever we get at right guard, it's going to be

really good."

Running the ball first, which new coach Steve Wilks has said will be a priority, is "music to my ears," Smith said. 

What Smith's arrival means for veteran right tackle tackle Jared Veldheer is to be determined. The Cardinals will have D.J. Humphries at left tackle, and likely Iupati at left guard. The center would be holdover starter A.Q. Shipley or perhaps 2016 fourth-round pick Evan Boehm. Right guard remains a question.

Alex Boone had been Iupati's 2017 fill-in, but the veteran is an unrestricted free agent. The Cardinals also have veteran Earl Watford in free agency. John Wetzel will return with a chance to add depth at both guard and tackle.

Smith started his career with the Bengals in 2009 before signing as a free agent in Minnesota in 2016. He returned to Cincinnati in 2017 with the intention of moving to guard, but the move didn't work out and instead he played tackle. Smith appeared in 13 games, starting eight.

"Every time I've gone to a different team, I've seen as an opportunity," Smith said.

Glennon signed as the starter in Chicago last season but quickly gave way to the No. 2 overall draft pick, Mitchell Trubisky. Glennon, drafted by Tampa Bay in 2013, started four games for the Bears, completing 66 percent of his passes for 833 yards, four touchdowns and five interception. He was released by th Bears on Wednesday.

Pugh is a former 2013 first-round pick of the Giants who started all 63 games he played in New York. He was limited to eight games last season with back issues. He has also played tackle in his career. The Colts reportedly are also interested in signing him.

The Cardinals were also awarded linebacker Jeremy Cash on waivers after he was cut by the Cleveland Browns. Cash also played in Carolina when Wilks coached there.

Images of the new players signed in free agency



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