4 potential salary-cap casualties for the Cardinals in 2022
By Jim Koch
Justin Pugh – Guard
D.J. Humphries isn’t the only Cardinals offensive lineman who carries an inflated salary-cap number into next season. Justin Pugh, a left guard who’s been with the organization since 2018, could also find himself on the Redbirds’ roster bubble.
Pugh will count $11.8 million against Arizona’s cap in 2022. Ridding themselves of that contract would give management over $9 million more to work with this year. Pugh wasn’t horrible in 2021, but he’s certainly not worth what he’s scheduled to make next fall.
The Cards could delve into the free-agent market if they elect to cut ties with the 31-year-old Pugh. Some replacement possibilities include Andrew Norwell, Laken Tomlinson, Will Hernandez, and Connor Williams.