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When the Arizona Cardinals missed on Corey Linsley it was a bit of a disappointment.
They had made it a priority to find a veteran center to help anchor the offense and help Kyler Murray take the next step into superstardom.
Disappointment quickly turned to excitement when it was reported the Las Vegas Raiders would be releasing three-time Pro Bowl center Rodney Hudson.
Then, Steve Keim struck quickly deciding to not allow Hudson into the free agent market where the soon-to-be 32-year old would find a bevy of high paying suitors, instead he offered up a third round pick in exchange for Hudson and a seventh round pick from the Raiders.
In Hudson, you are getting a different type of player than what the Cardinals have had along the offensive line.
He’s a veteran leader, who has not only the admiration, but respect of those around the league:
One of the best centers in the game is expected to land in Arizona — Rodney Hudson fills a huge need. OL coach Sean Kugler has been pushing for the former #Raiders Pro Bowler. https://t.co/zWjNPbfXZ8
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2021
Rodney Hudson hasn't allowed a sack since December 31, 2017. That’s 48 consecutive games. That’s 1,171 days...
— Raider Nation Boston (@RaiderNationBOS) March 16, 2021
WHAT ARE WE DOINGpic.twitter.com/kZCqgfEAi2
I don’t say this lightly: Rodney Hudson is in the conversation for the most reliable offensive lineman in the league.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 16, 2021
He’s an absolute anchor in the middle of the line and still playing great ball at the age of 32.
Every team that needs a center should call him right away.
Almost impossible to do only 280 characters on Raiders releasing Rodney Hudson.
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) March 16, 2021
Rodney Hudson is due a base salary of $9.55M in 2021 and $10.5M in 2022, with a workout bonus of $350K in each year.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 17, 2021
Not only do the Cardinals acquire one of the best centers in the NFL, that contract is a discount relative to his performance.
Excellent move by Steve Keim. https://t.co/7cPlXUgT5o
Of everything I’ll remember Rodney Hudson for the top of the list is him working out, alone, 2 hours before a preseason game. #RaiderNation https://t.co/zRt0HAMeNL
— Chris Reed (@ChrisReed_NFL) March 16, 2021
The Rodney Hudson release was a definite surprise to me.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) March 16, 2021
Top 3 center in the league still.
It’s a massive get for the Cardinals, Steve Keim and most of all for the continued growth of Kyler Murray.
Impressive to say the least.