NFL free agents: Mike Iupati to get 5-year, $40 million deal from Arizona Cardinals

Free agency has officially begun and some contract numbers are now being made public. The big signing the Arizona Cardinals are making is for three-time Pro Bowl guard Mike Iupati, and it is for a large amount. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter and confirmed by AZCentral reporter Kent Somers, the deal is for five years and $40 million, with $22.5 million guaranteed.

The deal could be worth as much as $41 million with incentives.

It is more money than the Cardinals got left tackle Jared Veldheer for last offseason. Veldheer came to the Cardinals on a five-year, $35 million deal.

Arizona has been trying very hard to improve the offensive line and the team has put its money there. With drafting Jonathan Cooper in 2013 and adding Veldheer and Iupati the last two offseasons, the Cardinals have invested $54 million in guarantees.

Iupati is considered an elite run blocker who struggles some in pass protection.

Iupati is expected to take his physical with the team on Wednesday and sign his contract.