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The Arizona Cardinals addressed their top need in free agency by landing arguably the best player available at the position. The team has reportedly agreed to terms with offensive tackle Jared Veldheer on a five-year, $35 million contract. More importantly, the total guaranteed is only $17 million.
Veldheer is 6-8 and 321 pounds and has played four seasons in the league. He missed 11 games last season with a torn triceps, but returned to play the final five games. In those five games, according to Pro Football Focus, he allowed one sack and 13 hurries. In 2012, when he was protecting Carson Palmer's blind side, He allowed a total of 33 pressures all season.
Veldheer will take over for Bradley Sowell, who will be likely be in competition with Bobby Massie, Nate Potter and anyone else the Cardinals might sign or draft for the right tackle starting job.
Many analysts consider Veldheer a very, very good tackle and free agent. CBS Sports' Pat Kirwan rated him an 89 of 100. In comparison, the player the Raiders signed to replace him -- Rodger Saffold -- was rated a 56 of 100.
How happy are you with the move? His addition, assuming he continues to play at least at the level he did while in Oakland, will give Arizona a formidable left side to the offensive line with Jonathan Cooper at left guard.
