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Free agent tackle would upgrade Arizona Cardinals offense

By Jim Koch

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: Anthony Castonzo #74 of the Indianapolis Colts runs off the field during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 10, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: Anthony Castonzo #74 of the Indianapolis Colts runs off the field during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 10, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Free agent left tackle Anthony Castonzo would take an improving Arizona Cardinals offensive line to a higher level in 2020

After showing obvious signs of improvement this past season, the Arizona Cardinals offensive line appears to be trending upwards. The crew’s leader, assistant coach Sean Kugler, did an excellent job with the much-maligned unit. With an injection of free agent talent, the Cards crew of blockers could climb to an even higher level next fall.

Anthony Castonzo, a longtime member of the Indianapolis Colts, could potentially assist with that ascension. The left tackle, who was the 22nd-overall selection of the 2011 NFL Draft, has a contract that’s set to expire. Would Arizona’s front office have any chance of convincing Castonzo to come to the desert?

One major obstacle that could stand in the way of that happening is a significant one. Castonzo, at the time of this writing, is contemplating retirement. The 31-year old has told the Colts that he’ll need a few weeks to come to a decision about his future.

There’s also another factor that could prevent Castonzo from inking a deal with the Cardinals. The former Boston College Eagle has stated that he’ll play only for Indianapolis if he does elect to continue his career. Despite that declaration, the possibility exists that Castonzo could ultimately change his mind if the right situation presented itself.

Castonzo would be an outstanding addition to the Cards offense. The 6’7, 305 pounder has been one of the league’s best pass-protectors, and has been equally impressive as a run blocker during his time with the Colts. Castonzo has started all of the 130 games he has suited up for since he turned professional nine years ago.

Arizona’s starting tackle on the left side during the past two campaigns, D.J. Humphries, is also preparing for free agency. The 26-year old played well in 2019, but is far from reliable. In fact, this past season was the first time that Humphries dressed for all 16 games since he joined the Cardinals back in 2015.

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With an ample amount of salary-cap space to work with in 2020, the Cards could easily offer Castonzo a boatload of cash to jump ship. After years of ineptitude, the team’s offensive line seems to be heading in the right direction. Castonzo, if he decides to put retirement on the back burner, could be the missing piece that elevates Kugler’s contingent to an elite level.

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