Cardinals Re-sign Will Hernandez: Reinforcement for the Offensive Line

Cardinals Secure Will Hernandez for One Year

The Arizona Cardinals have reached an agreement with right guard Will Hernandez, signing a one-year contract. This decision marks the return of the veteran, who has played the last three seasons with the team. Hernandez suffered a torn ACL in Week 5 of last season, which led the Cardinals to not renew his contract before free agency. Despite interest from several teams, Hernandez chose to remain in a familiar environment. The 29-year-old player will begin his third contract with the Cardinals on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, as he continues to recover from his knee injury.

He’s a good player, but he’s coming off a significant injury, so we’ll incorporate him, get him up to speed, get him in shape, and ready to play.
Jonathan Gannon, Coach

Although Hernandez has already been medically cleared, coach Jonathan Gannon has not set a timetable for his return to the field. When Hernandez is ready to play, he will compete to regain his starting right guard position, currently held by Isaiah Adams. Gannon indicated that the plan is to keep Adams as the starter and evaluate Hernandez upon his return. Hernandez has started in the 35 games he has played for the Cardinals since joining the team in 2022, including the 17 games in 2023 and 13 in 2022. Hernandez’s return provides the Cardinals with greater depth on the offensive line and another experienced presence in the locker room, similar to running back James Conner, who leads by example.

Plays the right way. Always has a good attitude. He’s a good player.
Jonathan Gannon, Coach

Gannon described the conversation with Hernandez as “very good.” The team outlined their plan for Hernandez, in case of his return, in a meeting with Gannon, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, and offensive line coach Justin Frye. Gannon added that this process is similar to when the Cardinals incorporate a new player, although Hernandez is “a bit of a unicorn” due to his previous experience with the team.