Marcus Gilbert opting out creates new competition for the Arizona Cardinals right tackle position

The Arizona Cardinals will have one less player in their 2020 right tackle competition.

Today, Marcus Gilbert, the veteran right tackle the Arizona Cardinals traded for a year ago announced he would be opting out of the 2020 NFL season.

First thing to know is we obviously support any players decision to opt out, as their health and their families health is of the utmost importance.

One thing that was interesting about Gilbert’s decision is it comes after Kliff Kingsbury had praised Gilbert and basically said he was the man to beat for the job. Maybe this was Kingsbury’s last ditch effort to keep Gilbert on board for 2020, but that is speculating.

It also is speculation, but makes some sense that the Cardinals knew that Gilbert was leaning towards opting out and that they signed Kelvin Beachum to be the veteran option if they need it at right tackle.

That leaves the right tackle competition as:

Justin Murray
Kelvin Beachum
Josh Jones

The Cardinals clearly would like to save Jones for later in the season or next season in terms of when they count on him, but Murray and Beachum are not exactly world beaters.

We’ll see how the competition goes, but for now we know who the three in the race will be.

Either way, we wish Gilbert the best and hope that he and his family stay safe.