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Kelvin Beachum Agrees To Two-Year Deal In Return To Cardinals

Veteran returns to give team strong option at right tackle

Right tackle Kelvin Beachum pass-sets against the Dolphins in 2020.
Right tackle Kelvin Beachum pass-sets against the Dolphins in 2020.

The Cardinals have talked about 2020 third-round pick Josh Jones' ability to play guard despite his background as a tackle.

Part of that reason may be because of the move to keep veteran Kelvin Beachum, who started all 16 games for the Cards at right tackle in 2020 and did a good job not only on the field but as a leader in the locker room.

Beachum agreed to a two-year contract Tuesday, as teams continued to talk to free agents-to-be around the league on the eve of free agency officially starting at 1 p.m. Arizona time Wednesday.

According to Pro Football Focus, Beachum only allowed three sacks all season and graded at solid 69.0, with 76.8 grade in pass blocking.

Beachum will be the early leader in the clubhouse at a right tackle spot that could also feature Jones or even veteran Marcus Gilbert, who opted out in 2020 because of COVID -- the reason the Cards signed Beachum in the first place. Gilbert, who has a year left on his contract, has yet to say if he is returning to play in 2021.

While deals for free agents have been reported across the league ahead of Wednesday's signing opening, the Cards have yet to be linked to any new players nor have lost any. Linebacker Haason Reddick, cornerback Patrick Peterson and running back Kenyan Drake remain on the market,

One intriguing name coming available Tuesday is veteran Pro Bowl center Rodney Hudson, who was reportedly set to be released by the Raiders. Hudson, who turns 32 this offseason, would be an upgrade on the interior of the line should the Cards choose to pursue him. Offensive line coach Sean Kugler did not rule out a potential signing at center earlier this offseason when talking about incumbent starter Mason Cole and backup Lamont Gaillard.

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