The Arizona Cardinals had one of the worst offensive lines last year. We all know this. How bad? Ranked #26.
Both guard positions had issues, along with OT Kelvin Beachum.
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GM Monti Ossenfort gave the offensive line his utmost priority during the offseason. Four offensive linemen were signed during the free agency period. The NFL draft now approaches, slated for April 23-25, and most likely, two more players will be selected for this group, with
one possibly with the #3 overall pick.
One player that Ossenfort hasn’t had to be concerned with is LT Paris Johnson, Jr., who was taken with the sixth overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft out of Ohio State. Johnson had been named a Consensus All-American plus a First Team All-Big 10 in his final college season.
Johnson (6’-6”, 325 pounds) was known for his versatility in that he was able to compete on either side. In his rookie year with Arizona, he played all 17 games at right tackle. Going into his second training camp, the team released longtime starting LT D.J. Humphries, and Johnson was switched to left tackle.
Right tackle was then manned by veteran Jonah Williams, who had been signed in the 2024 free agency period.
The 2024 season moved right along for Johnson as he started 14 games, but then had shoulder and toe issues. This past season, he injured his knee in the Week 14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams and ended up on IR. To date, Johnson has played in 43 regular-season games in his three seasons with the Cardinals on 2,805 offensive snaps.
The 2026 NFL season will be Johnson’s fourth year. It is customary for NFL clubs to decide on their first-round draft picks on whether to exercise that fifth-year option. Johnson is eligible now, but so far, Ossenfort has only touched briefly on the topic.
The subject came up at the Combine. Ossenfort did make it clear that Johnson was in the team’s plans.
“He’s done some really good things, and there are some areas I know Paris wants to improve at. That’s the great thing about Paris; he’s focused on that and focused on continuing to ascend. We have some decision points with Paris coming.”
The franchise at this point must decide by May if they have the intention to pick up Johnson’s fifth-year option for the 2027 season. Ossenfort seems to be positive on where the direction of where they are in regard to Johnson.
“Everybody is in different situations. Paris got through Year 3, going into Year 4, excited about where Paris is at.”
Johnson will make $4.5 million this year. With Johnson now eligible for a contract extension via the fifth-year option, he would then make $19.1 million before his rookie deal finally expires. The only question remains: With all the free agents brought in and the assumption that a high draft pick will be used on another offensive lineman, will the Cardinals want Johnson to continue being a roster member?
Ossenfort answered that concern:
“Love what Paris brings to the team, on the field, off the field. We want him to be a part of our program for a long time.”
