Rodney Hudson

Arizona Cardinals center Rodney Hudson has committed to playing in 2022, after he did not attend minicamp amidst retirement rumors.

Fantasy Impact

Hudson returning to the lineup is great news for the Cardinals offensive outlook in 2022. Their passing game was far more successful a year ago with Hudson on the field to the tune of 8.1 YPA versus 7.3 YPA with him sidelined. This gives Kyler Murray and his pass-catchers: DeAndre Hopkins, Marquise Brown, and Zach Ertz a boost in their respective fantasy stocks. James Conner will also certainly benefit as the Cardinals ran their rushing behind their center a staggering 53% of plays with 4.2 YPC.

The Arizona Cardinals activated center Rodney Hudson (ribs) from the injured reserve on Saturday.

Fantasy Impact

Hudson initially hurt his ribs in a Week 5 win over the San Francisco 49ers. He was placed on the injured reserve shortly after and missed three games. It's unclear if he will play in Sunday's contest against the 49ers in Week 9, but when Hudson does return, his presence on the offensive line boosts QB Kyler Murray and the Cardinals offense.

Arizona Cardinals C Rodney Hudson was recently traded from the Las Vegas Raiders on a one-year deal but has reportedly received a two-year, $21.2 million extension with $16 million guaranteed across the next three seasons, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Fantasy Impact

Hudson is an All-Pro center deserving of the big extension with Arizona, who had trouble creating running lanes and engaging in good pass protection throughout the 2020 season. Hudson is a three-time first-team All-Pro center and will be an immediate upgrade to fortify the line. This will allow QB Kyler Murray to buy more time in the pocket to assess his reads while operating in unique motion and spread formations schemed by Cardinals' head coach Kliff Kingsbury. The zone-blocking schemes within Kingsburys' offensive system will allow Hudson to be a road grader in the trenches while using his speed to get out in open space on screens. The Cardinals will likely continue to add pieces to their offensive line through the draft at the end of the month but Hudson will lead the unit based on his experience and ability to communicate pressures based on defensive alignment.

Former Las Vegas Raiders C Rodney Hudson has officially been traded to the Arizona Cardinals, per Ian Rapoport.

Fantasy Impact

Hudson is a former All-Pro C for the Raiders who will be an immediate upgrade on the Cardinals' offensive line in 2021. The 32-year old three-time Pro Bowler was traded in exchange for a third-round pick and the Raiders' seventh-round pick in the upcoming 2021 draft. He played all 16 games for the Raiders in 2020 and went without a single penalty, bringing immense value due to his durability and discipline.