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Arizona Cardinals make splash on offensive line

By Scott Allen

NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 01: Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants celebrates a touchdown with Justin Pugh #67 during the second quarter of a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 1, 2015 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 01: Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants celebrates a touchdown with Justin Pugh #67 during the second quarter of a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 1, 2015 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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The Arizona Cardinals got serious about upgrading their offensive line on Friday night

According to reports that surfaced on Friday night, former New York Giants guard Justin Pugh is going to sign with the Arizona Cardinals.  This possibility was made public on Thursday.

What isn’t as amazing as the signing itself but how much the Cardinals are going to shell out to get him.  According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, the deal is for five-years, $45 million.

I don’t care what neighborhood you live in, that’s a pretty darn nice neighborhood for an offensive lineman.  It also shows how desperate the Cardinals are about upgrading an oft-maligned group.

The Cardinals offensive line had a horrible year in 2017.  It was well documented how the Cardinals gave up more than 50 sacks last season. Veteran leadership was needed on the line.

Pugh was drafted in 2013.  He has only played in one full season however, his rookie season with the Giants.  He only played in eight games in 2017.

He played in 14 games in 2014 and 2015 and 11 in 2016.  He has started every game he has played in.

Drafted out of Syracuse, he is listed at 6’5, 307 lbs. That size should be able to bowl people over in this league.

Pugh was eventually placed on injured reserve back in December by the Giants.  He was dealing with a back injury.  He was able to avoid surgery but couldn’t avoid being shelved for the season.

Now Pugh comes to Arizona after several other teams showed interest in signing him.  Despite the past injuries it says something that one of the better offensive linemen in the league ha chosen to come play for the Cardinals.

Next: Former Arizona Cardinals safety takes his paycut...in Houston

The signing is in addition to the Cardinals signing of former Cincinnati Bengals tackle Andre Smith earlier in the week.  The Cardinals are trying, so let’s all give them credit for that please.

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