Arizona Cardinals add Billy Price to the offensive line mix
By Jim Koch
The former first-round draft pick out of Ohio State University will add depth to the Arizona Cardinals offensive line unit.
Way back in May, the Arizona Cardinals brought offensive lineman Billy Price to the desert for a free-agent visit. The former Ohio State University stud left without a contract, but still managed to leave a positive impression on the Arizona hierarchy.
On Tuesday, the Cards signed Price to a one-year deal. The center/guard was more than likely added to the roster to act as insurance for a couple of the squad’s injured blockers.
Starting left guard Justin Pugh left last Sunday’s 26-16 victory over the Carolina Panthers with an elbow issue. There’s been no definitive word on whether the 32-year old Pugh will be available when the Redbirds host the unbeaten Philadelphia Eagles this coming Sunday. Cody Ford, a veteran lineman who was acquired in a trade back in August, has been stuck on the injured-reserve list with a bum ankle.
The acquisition of Billy Price could pay dividends for the Arizona Cardinals
Price was a starting guard for the national championship-winning Buckeyes back in 2015. Even more impressive was the fact that the 6 foot 4, 310 pounder was a redshirt freshman at the time.
After three more campaigns as a starter at Ohio State, Price was selected 21st-overall by the Cincinnati Bengals back in 2018. The Ohio native was credited with 10 starts during his first year in the NFL, and was voted to the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team.
Following two more seasons with the Bengals, Price was traded to the New York Giants in August of 2021. Cincinnati received defensive tackle B.J. Hill in return.
The one and only campaign that Price spent in the “Big Apple” was hardly memorable. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the league’s 20th-best center out of 26 qualifiers after he allowed 24 quarterback pressures and two sacks for the Giants. Price also missed New York’s final matchup of 2021 after his wife suffered a miscarriage.
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Price joined the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad back on September 14th after receiving lukewarm interest as a free agent this past offseason. The 27-year old has now been given an opportunity to revive his professional career with the Cardinals.