The Arizona Cardinals brought back a familiar face yesterday, re-signing guard Will Hernandez to a one-year deal as the veteran continues to work his way back from a torn ACL.
Hernandez, 29, has been a mainstay on Arizona’s offensive line since arriving in 2022, starting all 35 games he’s played. His 2024 season ended in Week 5 after the knee injury, which likely contributed to the team letting him reach free agency in March. Several teams showed interest, but Hernandez chose to return to Arizona.
He will begin his third contract with the Cardinals on the physically unable to perform list despite being medically cleared. Second-year lineman Isaiah Adams has stepped into the starting right guard role, with veteran Evan Brown at left guard.
“The plan for right now is Isaiah being the starter at right guard and Evan being the starter at left,” head coach Jonathan Gannon said during yesterday's media availability. “We’ll get Will healthy, get him on the practice field, and see where he’s at.”
Hernandez’s return is as much about experience as depth. Gannon praised the veteran’s approach, calling him a guard who “plays the right way” and brings the kind of toughness the staff wants to build around.
“He’s always got a good attitude,” Gannon said via ESPN's Josh Weinfuss. “He’s a good player.”
A second-round pick by the New York Giants in 2018, Hernandez spent four seasons in New York before joining the Cardinals. Known for his physical style and reliability, he’s logged 97 career starts, offering stability in both pass protection and run blocking.
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The signing comes as Arizona continues to solidify its offensive line ahead of the season. Injuries and shifting personnel impacted the group in 2024, and the team is already facing similar challenges this preseason, with multiple key defenders starting camp on the PUP list. Hernandez’s familiarity with the system could help the Cardinals steady the lineup while they navigate those absences on the other side of the ball.
When Hernandez returns, the Cardinals will evaluate whether to keep Adams in the starting role or adjust the lineup. For now, Hernandez is focused on getting back to full speed.
Arizona opens the preseason tomorrow against the Kansas City Chiefs at State Farm Stadium, where Hernandez will be sidelined but present as the Cardinals begin shaping their 53-man roster.