The writing may be on the wall for Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Jared Veldheer.
When the Arizona Cardinals signed offensive tackle Jared Veldheer to a five-year, $35 million contract in 2014, they were shocked that he was available in the first place. Starting caliber left tackles do not typically hit free agency in the prime of their career. But it happened, providing the Cardinals with an opportunity to solidify one of the most important positions on a football team – the guardian of the quarterback’s blindside.
After three seasons, the signing can largely be viewed as a successful one. Aside from missing eight games due to injury in 2016, Veldheer has indeed provided stability at the crucial left tackle position, and he is currently slated to be the starting right tackle in 2017.
Though there may be no regrets associated with the Veldheer signing, his future with the team is anything but certain. Veldheer is currently signed through the 2018 season, but do not be surprised if the Cardinals look to trade or release the veteran following the 2017 season.
The source of Veldheer’s uncertain future has its origins in the Cardinals decision to move D.J. Humphries back to his natural position of left tackle. For the time being, Veldheer provides the Cardinals with a solid starting right tackle, and a heck of an insurance plan should Humphries struggle or experience an injury.
The problem is Veldheer’s contract has a cap hit of $10 million in 2017 and $10.25 million in 2018. That’s a hefty price for a right tackle. As points of comparison, New Orleans Saints right tackle Zach Strief’s contract has cap hits of $6.1 million in 2017 and $5.1 million in 2018, while Green Bay Packers right tackle Bryan Bulaga’s contract has a cap hit of $7.85 million in 2017, followed by cap hits of $8.35 million in 2018 and 2019.
It’s possible the Cardinals will seek to restructure Veldheer’s contract to better fit his role on the team. But if you’re Veldheer – a capable starter at a position that is in demand – there is little motivation to accept a pay cut. In such a situation, Veldheer’s interests would likely be better served by being cut and signing elsewhere as a starting left tackle.
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If Veldheer were no longer a Cardinal, the obvious question is who will start at right tackle? A lot can change over the course of a season (and offseason), but if we’re looking for likely candidates, Arizona Cardinals rookie offensive lineman Will Holden seems to be a good fit.
The draft profile for the fifth rounder out of Vanderbilt is that he’s best suited as a right tackle in the NFL. With a season of study and practice under his belt, Holden could be ready to step in as a younger and much more affordable option at right tackle.