Mike LaFleur is preparing for his first free agency period as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, with General Manager Monti Ossenfort and owner Michael Bidwill seeking to improve the roster after a disappointing 2025 season. Bidwill has stated he wants a quick turnaround for the team.
The offensive line is one of the key areas under review. Several players remain under contract for 2026, including Paris Johnson Jr., Hjalte Froholdt, Evan Brown, Isaiah Adams, Jon Gaines II, Christian Jones, Demontrey Jacobs, Hayden Conner, Josh Fryar, and Valentin Senn. Their cap hits range from just under $900,000 to nearly $9 million.
A major decision concerns right tackle and interior positions. Jonah Williams was signed in 2024 but suffered consecutive season-ending injuries. Veteran Kelvin Beachum filled in but both are now free agents. The Cardinals have the third pick in the upcoming draft and could select an offensive tackle such as Francis Mauigoa or Spencer Fano.
Free agency may also provide options for strengthening the line. Will Hernandez returned last year to compete at right guard but was sidelined by hip and knee injuries after seven starts. Isaiah Adams took over and performed well after a slow start to his second NFL season. Jon Gaines II received praise from staff for stepping in when Evan Brown missed five games due to personal reasons; Brown enters the final year of his contract along with center Hjalte Froholdt—the only lineman to start all 17 games last season.
Paris Johnson Jr., who ended last season on injured reserve, remains a cornerstone at left tackle and is eligible for a contract extension. When asked about this during the combine, Ossenfort said: “I know he’s focused on continuing to ascend,” adding that the Cardinals “want him to be a part of our program for a long time.”
Notable past free agent signings on the offensive line include 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) and Lomas Brown (1996).
The Arizona Cardinals are based in Glendale and play their home games there according to their official website. The team serves the greater Phoenix area as part of the NFC West division and stands as the oldest continuously operating professional football franchise in the United States (source). The organization captured an NFC championship in 2008 (source).
The free agent primer series will continue with tight ends on February 28th followed by other positions through early March.
“I know he’s focused on continuing to ascend,” Ossenfort said, adding the Cardinals “want him to be a part of our program for a long time.”