Arizona Cardinals get good marks for signing of A.J. Green and trade for Rodney Hudson from ESPN

With the first week of the 2021 NFL offseason in the books it is time to take a look at what the pundits and analysts are saying.

For the Arizona Cardinals, they were graded on two of their major moves by ESPN Insiders, the signing of A.J. Green and the trade for Rodney Hudson and they received positive remarks on each.

From E$PN:

A.J. Green, WR, Arizona Cardinals

The deal: One year, up to $8.5 million with $6 million guaranteed

Top 100 ranking: 15

Grade: B-

Are the Cardinals reassembling an All-Pro team from the mid-2010s? Green, who turns 33 this summer, joins defensive end J.J. Watt (31) as the Cardinals’ top two targets during the negotiating window...

The good news is that Green actually managed to make it through 16 games last season with the Bengals. He’ll get plenty of opportunities to be productive in this offense. If not? It’s a one-year deal, with no further damage done. — Seifert

Raiders trade Rodney Hudson to the Cardinals

Las Vegas Raiders get: Third-round pick

Arizona Cardinals get: C Rodney Hudson and a seventh-round pick

Raiders grade: D

Cardinals grade: B+

It’s hard to understand why the Raiders are dismantling their offensive line, one they have spent dearly to assemble. Early reports that they planned to release Hudson were preposterous, given his status as one of the top five centers in the league, and the Raiders must have realized the same. Getting a third-round pick is better than nothing, but it’s still hard to understand how the Raiders are better in the short or long term with the current set of facts.

The Cardinals happily capitalized here and managed a big and unexpected upgrade at a key position. They’ll pay Hudson $9.9 million this season, but there is no guaranteed money in 2022. So if Hudson has a good season, they’ll probably need to extend his deal by next spring. — Seifert

The Green signing is interesting just due to age alone, but if he can put up a good season and earn a second contract, or is a good enough bridge to a potential rookie from the 2021 class, then he will be worth it.

A B+ is a good grade, but I am a bit surprised that the Hudson acquisition wasn’t an overwhelming A.

Outside of age, he is one of the three best centers in the NFL and the center position we see players excel well into their 30’s. If they get a demerit simply because of his age, I guess I understand, but the ability to get Hudson for cheaper than Corey Linsley was impressive.

What do you think?