Raising Zona
FanSided

Rodney Hudson got extension after trade to Arizona Cardinals

By Jim Koch

EAST RUTHERFORD, NY - NOVEMBER 24: Center Rodney Hudson #61 of the Oakland Raiders checks the defense against the New York Jets in the second half at MetLife Stadium on November 24, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images).
EAST RUTHERFORD, NY - NOVEMBER 24: Center Rodney Hudson #61 of the Oakland Raiders checks the defense against the New York Jets in the second half at MetLife Stadium on November 24, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images). /
facebooktwitterreddit

Roughly three weeks ago, a move was made by the Arizona Cardinals that did wonders for their offensive line. Steve Keim, the club’s general manager, couldn’t get to the telephone any faster when he learned that the Las Vegas Raiders were shopping center Rodney Hudson. A trade for the three-time Pro Bowler was quickly consummated, and it’s now being reported that the Cards have also agreed to a contract extension with the talented blocker.

According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Arizona added two years onto the deal for Hudson that was already in place. The new agreement is worth another $20.1 million for the player, and now brings the 31-year old’s total future earnings with the Cardinals to $30 million. Rapoport also revealed that Hudson will collect $16 million in guaranteed cash from his new team.

Hudson, a former second-round draft pick of the Kansas City Chiefs, will count just $2.86 million against the Cards salary-cap in 2021. That’s an incredible bargain for a veteran who is considered one of the best at his position in professional football. How was Keim able to pull off such an impressive heist?

Arizona gave up a third-round selection in the upcoming draft for Hudson during the St. Patrick’s Day trade with Las Vegas. Keim somehow managed to finagle a seventh-round choice out of the Raiders during the deal as well.

The 6’2, 315 pound Hudson will provide a tremendous upgrade at center for the Cardinals over the next three seasons. Last year’s starter at the spot, Mason Cole, was traded to the Minnesota Vikings back on March 25th. Hudson’s backup at the current time is Lamont Gaillard, a sixth-round pick of the Redbirds back in 2019.

Next. Three quarterbacks Cardinals should consider. dark

Locking up Hudson through the conclusion of the 2023 campaign was a smart move by the Cards front office. The franchise was fortunate enough to land the highly-regarded offensive lineman, and it stands to reason that management would like to hang onto Hudson for as long as possible. Kudos to Keim and his cohorts for orchestrating what’s arguably their finest acquisition of the offseason.

Home/Cardinals News