March 17, 2026, 5:33 p.m. MT
The first week of NFL free agency is in the books. The Arizona Cardinals have been active, although they have not made any real significant moves like last offseason. It is time to start grading their initial moves.
We don’t know how they will actually work out, as the season is still months away, but based on need, fit and value, we can give initial grades.
Let’s look at safety Andrew Wingard.
Grading the Cardinals’ signing of Andrew Wingard
Grade: C
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Wingard is a decent addition to the secondary. With Jalen Thompson departing in free agency to the Dallas Cowboys, the Cardinals needed a replacement. Wingard could end up being the team’s third safety, the role held by Rabbit Taylor-Demerson last year, playing behind Taylor-Demerson. Wingard could keep Rabbit in that same role, simply replacing Thompson.
He was a full-time starter last season and had an interception and nine pass breakups. He had 84 tackles and played the back end of a great defense that the Jacksonville Jaguars had.
He struggled some in coverage but is good in run support. His contract is nice, worth $3 million reportedly.
He isn’t a bad signing. He’s not a very good signing. He is a decent player filling a need the Cardinals had.
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