Top Free Agent Replacements for Rodney Hudson

The Arizona Cardinals will need to find a new center after Rodney Hudson reportedly set to retire. Here's three potential options for 2023 via free agency.

The Arizona Cardinals went into this offseason expecting center Rodney Hudson to retire, and that's reportedly expected to unfold after NFL Media's Ian Rapoport said the team wasn't expecting neither Hudson or WR Chosen (formerly Robbie) Anderson back in the fold. 

The #AZCardinals are expected to move on from center Rodney Hudson and WR Robbie Anderson, sources say. Hudson had previously reduced his salary to $2M, which often indicates a retirement. He'll decide his future soon. Meanwhile, Anderson's release saves $12M against the cap.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2023

Hudson (who contemplated retirement before coming back for 2022) was one of four initial starters from last season to hit free agency. With his retirement, the Cardinals will now be in search of finding a permanent successor for that spot along with potentially finding replacements for Justin Pugh, Will Hernandez and Kelvin Beachum. 

Arizona could potentially look to the 2023 NFL Draft (they did meet with one of the top center prospects in Minnesota's John Michael Schmitz), but should they choose to enter the depths of free agency, here's three names they could pursue:

New York Jets Center Connor McGovern

McGovern would certainly be one of the more expensive options here, but if the Cardinals are persistent they can become competitive within the next two years, he would be worth the price tag. 

McGovern came in on Pro Football Focus' Top 100 Free Agents list at No. 74:

"McGovern signed a three-year, $27 million deal with the New York Jets during his first go-around in free agency and will look to get as close to that number once again.

"The veteran center has logged roughly 1,000 snaps in five straight seasons. His 74.7 grade over the past two years ranks 13th among centers, his 69.8 pass-blocking grade places 16th and his 76.9 run-blocking grade comes in at 13th. He offers a high floor as a solid zone run blocker and could be an asset to a team with a young quarterback."

Spotrac has his estimated market value at $12.5 million per season. 

Minnesota Vikings Center Garrett Bradbury 

Though Bradbury won't come cheap either, Bradbury would be an ideal replacement for the foreseeable future in Arizona. 

Bradbury came in at No. 91 on Pro Football Focus' Top 100 Free Agents list at No. 91:

"The former first-rounder earned career-high grades as a pass-blocker and run-blocker in 2022, with his 68.1 pass-block grade representing an improvement of nearly 15 grading points. His 72.4 run-blocking grade is his third straight mark of 67.0 or better.

"Bradbury was drafted early because he has the athleticism to get to the second level in an outside-zone-heavy rushing attack, but he simply lacks the strength to anchor as a pass protector, especially with the league’s interior pass-rushers getting better and better. Nevertheless, it was good to see major growth in pass protection in 2022, but the odds are it will never be a strength of his game."

Spotrac has his estimated market value at $11.9 million per season.

Carolina Panthers Center Bradley Bozeman

Bozeman was pivotal in keeping Carolina's rushing attack going after Christian McCaffrey departed last season, shining in what was a dismal year in Carolina. 

All Panthers' Schuyler Callihan said Bozeman would be an automatic re-sign: 

"Once Bozeman was inserted into the starting lineup, Carolina's run game went to a completely different level. He set the tone with his physicality and did a decent job in pass protection allowing just two sacks. Bringing him back is a no-brainer to me."

Spotrac has his estimated market value at $12 million per season.

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