Arizona Cardinals: Grading big free agent additions so far

Rodney Hudson, C (Las Vegas Raiders)

Grade: A+

This is a bonus as we know Rodney Hudson was acquired via trade and not free agency but he is such a great player that he deserves to be mentioned here. Hudson is considered one of the most underrated players in the NFL and perhaps the best center but he rarely gets the accolades he deserves, likely because his team has not been very good in recent years.

The former Chief joined the Raiders in 2015 and has been named to the Pro Bowl three times while playing 100 percent of the team’s snaps in four out of six years. He has been a rock in the Raider offensive line and helped QB Derek Carr develop from young and raw to a polished passer that regularly passes for 4,000 yards.

The Cardinals know they have a potential superstar in Kyler Murray and the best way to keep him healthy is to build the offensive line and Hudson provides them a great foundation to do so. Hudson will have his hands full blocking for a much more mobile quarterback than Carr but he has the talent to do that and provide leadership to an up and coming team.

Arizona had to give up a third round pick for his services but he is still relatively young for an interior lineman at 31 and could be around for a few more years as Murray continues his development. The Cardinals continue to make all the right moves, on paper at least, in free agency and in the trade market.