Arizona Cardinals: A.Q. Shipley back in fold
By Scott Allen
The Arizona Cardinals retain their starting center from a season ago
A move predicted a week ago, center A.Q. Shipley is returning to the Arizona Cardinals in 2017. The deal was announced on Thursday afternoon.
The move also is one of both convenience and savings for the team. Shipley cost a lot less than any other free agent would cost.
After the New York Jets released center Nick Mangold, many fans took to social media, calling on the Cardinals to sign him. Reports were the Cardinals had no interest.
Mangold would have cost a heck of a lot more than Shipley would have. Shipley also was a consistently good performer on the offensive line in 2016, starting all 16 games.
Two seasons ago you may recall the Cardinals not being happy with Shipley after signing him to a free agent contract. He couldn’t nail down the starting center job. The Cardinals brought back in Lyle Sendlein for one more season.
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However in 2016, Shipley was one of the more consistent performers on the offensive line. Bringing Shipley in also means the team doesn’t have to rush Evan Boehm and his growth.
Boehm, drafted out of Missouri, was expected to push Shipley for the starting center spot during training camp last August. Boehm though struggled and only started one game at center when Shipley moved over to guard.
Speaking of, that is another plus to adding Shipley. He can also play guard when needed. With as much movement the Cardinals saw on the offensive line in 2016 due to injury, having Shipley helped. Being able to have flexible parts on the line is important.
Now quarterback Carson Palmer will have his center back for possibly his last season and one more run at the Super Bowl. You can never underestimate the importance of having stability on the line and having your quarterback comfortable with a familiar face (or behind) at center.