The Arizona Cardinals announced on Apr. 16 that they have exercised the fifth-year option for left tackle Paris Johnson Jr., keeping him under contract through the 2027 season with a salary of about $19 million.
This move signals the team’s commitment to retaining key talent as it looks to build a strong roster for future seasons. The extension is often seen as a first step toward negotiating a longer-term deal, though no details about an additional contract extension were given.
General Manager Monti Ossenfort said he discussed the decision with Johnson and described him as “a great example of what we want our locker room to be about and we think he’s an ascending player.” Ossenfort also said, “We want him around for a long time,” but did not specify any plans regarding further extensions. Coach Mike LaFleur praised Johnson’s work ethic, saying, “The two coolest parts about him is, one, he hasn’t scratched the surface and two, he’s willing to work.”
Johnson became an immediate starter at right tackle during his rookie year in 2023 and later moved to left tackle in 2024. Despite missing time at the end of each season due to knee injuries that led to stints on Injured Reserve, he has remained a key figure on the offensive line. The team continues its search for a permanent right tackle; currently, free agent Elijah Wilkinson is projected as the starter in that position ahead of next week’s draft.
The Arizona Cardinals are recognized as the oldest continuously operating professional football franchise in the United States according to their official website. They compete in the NFC West division and serve fans across the greater Phoenix area according to their official website. The team hosts home games in Glendale, Arizona according to their official website and captured an NFC championship title in 2008 according to their official website.
Looking ahead, securing Johnson’s role could provide stability for an offensive line aiming for improvement while supporting broader efforts by management during free agency.