Rodney Hudson Returning to the Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals fans can rest a bit easier tonight as Rodney Hudson will be returning for the 2022 season

This offseason has been anything but quiet for fans of the Arizona Cardinals. Starting with the drama over Kyler Murray’s Instagram and contract dispute to the absence of star center Rodney Hudson from minicamp, the unsettling news has kept on coming.

Now, in mid-July much seems to be settled and the Cardinals are approaching the new season with a more sure footing. Murray’s contract negotiations are seemingly going well, and just as importantly, it was announced that Rodney Hudson would be returning to the team.

On Monday afternoon, NFL insider Ian Rapaport tweeted the following:

#AZCardinals veteran center Rodney Hudson, who stayed away from mandatory minicamp and whose status for 2022 was uncertain, has informed the team he's returning and will play in 2022, sources say. He'll be with veterans when they report next Tuesday.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 18, 2022

The importance of this news can hardly be overstated. Even in just one season, Hudson established himself as the glue of the Cardinals’ offense. He missed a handful of games in the middle of last season and showcased how important he truly is. The offensive line struggled and the backup options at center, namely Max Garcia, were largely unequal to the task at hand. An underperforming offensive line has direct consequences on the level of quarterback play and Murray struggled in line with Hudson’s absence.

The return of the 3x Pro Bowler solidifies the entire line. Justin Pugh can remain at his position of strength, left guard, and not worry about learning an entirely new job. The other side of Hudson is a bit more up in the air, but it seems likely that new addition Will Hernandez will be the starting right guard when the season kicks off.

The offensive line without Hudson was mostly likely a bottom-10 unit, but his return immediately boosts the group near the middle of the pack in the NFL.

I think my tweet seen below encapsulates the feelings of the Cardinals fanbase.

PRAISE THE LORD https://t.co/ltvSBFuU8f

— Kyler Burd (@AZCard_BurdsEye) July 18, 2022