Jared Veldheer Signs With Arizona Cardinals

Sep 23, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders tackle Jared Veldheer (68) defends against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jason Worilds (93) at the O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Steelers 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

After weeks of speculation how the Arizona Cardinals would upgrade the left tackle position in free agency, the Cards ended that in a hurry on Tuesday afternoon with the signing of Jared Veldheer.  He signs after spending the last four seasons with the Oakland Raiders.

Many felt the Raiders would and/or should have placed a franchise tag on Veldheer.  Even after they didn’t last week and the rumors started heating up that the Cards were interested, many still didn’t believe he would end up in Arizona and return to Oakland.  For whatever reason, he didn’t return to a team that had more than $60 million available in cap space.  So, it begs the question, why?

Obviously the Cards see something in him by giving him a five-year contract.  The fact the Raiders made no noise with him does raise some red flags initially, however, it is the Raiders we are talking about, so I’m not too concerned right now.  Veldheer is coming off a torn biceps injury in 2013 though that limited him to just five games played.  That could be a factor.  With a guy with as much upside as he has though, you have to feel fortunate the Cards were able to snag him on day one of free agency.

Hopefully the Cards will see an immediate return on their investment.  The offensive line troubles have been well documented so I would hope they’ve learned their lesson on past busts and this time got their guy to protect the quarterbacks’ blind side.