Cardinals Had One of NFL Free Agency's Best Signings

When it comes to free agency, the Arizona Cardinals weren't exactly proclaimed as loud and proud winners after the market opened. They didn't see their Super Bowl odds increase nor has the narrative surrounding the organization changed.

However, the Cardinals enter 2026 with a few upgrades, most notably on the offensive side of the ball, while other key spots had depth filled.

Arguably their top signing in left guard Isaac Seumalo wasn't just one of the best moves Arizona made — it's being heralded as one of the top moves for any team.

In their assessment ranking the NFL's top 50 free agent moves, SI.com ranked Seumalo as the 21st best signing this offseason:

"The Cardinals might not have a franchise quarterback, but they do have better protection for whoever is in the backfield by signing one of the best guards on the market," they said.

Seumalo was the only new Cardinal added to the list while other names such as Jalen Thompson (No. 45) and Kyler Murray (No. 3) were also in the top 50.

Seumalo instantly upgrades Arizona's offensive line and should form a strong pairing with franchise left tackle Paris Johnson Jr., and with Hjalte Froholdt operating as a more than solid center, the Cardinals don't quite have to worry about the left side of the line.

Seumalo inked a three-year, $31.5 million deal which was around the ballpark of fair in terms of annual average for a guard who just turned 32-years-old.

Age is an advantage for Seumalo.

"I think as you get older, you evolve. Not only your game, but the other part is, 'What are you doing off the field? How are you eating? Do you get enough rest? Are you doing, whatever, mobility, flexibility, strength work, PT (physical therapy), stem cell is a big thing now," Seumalo told reporters after he signed.

"I will scour every part of the planet to get whatever I possibly can to get an advantage over everybody else."

That's exactly the sort of mentality and leadership Arizona's offense, particularly upfront, needs. And even though Seumalo didn't come cheap, you often get what you pay for in life, and it's good the Cardinals decided to upgrade the trenches — even if we don't know who will be throwing the ball for Arizona in 2026 or beyond.

Regardless of quarterback uncertainty, the same can't be said for a crucial part of any team's success up front thanks to Seumalo's addition. While it wasn't a move to sell jerseys or season tickets, it was an incredibly good deal for both sides.