For NFL general managers, finding value is key. Teams are given means with which to build rosters, and they have to do everything that they can to maximize each unit.
One of the most important ways that this happens is through contract negotiations. Players have to be paid what they're worth, but every penny that a team saves can help to fill out the roster elsewhere. The Arizona Cardinals have a few contracts on their books that could make general manager Monti Ossenfort look like a mastermind before the end of the 2025 season.
3 best value contracts for the Arizona Cardinals
Baron Browning
The Cardinals traded for former Denver Broncos edge defender Baron Browning in the middle of the 2024 season. They then gave Browning a contract extension this offseason. The two-year extension is worth $7.5 million per year.
Browning is in a position to have a career year in 2025. The Cardinals' additions to the defensive line should allow him to focus on what he does best: get after the quarterback. If he can live up to his potential, this contract will look like a steal in a year.
Hjalte Froholdt
Center Hjalte Froholdt is one of the most underrated players on the Arizona Cardinals roster. He's one of the best centers in the NFL and a key piece of Arizona's offense. Froholdt is one of the primary reasons for the success of the Cardinals' running game. He overpowers defensive tackles, creating large gaps for running back James Conner (more on him in a bit).
Froholdt's current contract already looks like a steal, but it could look even better after the upcoming season. His contract will carry a $4.1 million cap hit in 2025.
James Conner
James Conner is the embodiment of the Cardinals' identity on offense. He runs between the tackles with the sort of physicality and intensity that sets the tone in each game. He's eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards in each of the last two seasons.
Conner is a true leader for the Arizona Cardinals, and his team-friendly contract has allowed the team to build out the roster to compete. In 2025, Conner will carry just a $6.4 million cap hit. That's less than less-productive running backs like Tony Pollard, D'Andre Swift, and David Montgomery.
At 30 years old, Conner is one of the most established running backs in the NFL. The Arizona Cardinals are lucky to have him at this price.