NFL veteran offensive guard Will Hernandez has signed a new contract with the Arizona Cardinals. Hernandez, a former second-round pick, spent the 2022 season with the Cardinals but has also played for the New York Giants.
Two years, $9 million for Will Hernandez back to the #AZCardinals, source says. Former second-round pick of the #Giants stays in AZ. https://t.co/jyYTXg1wGn
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 15, 2023
Will Hernandez, Arizona Cardinals, Agree to Contract
After spending the first four years of his career with the New York Giants, Will Hernandez spent the 2022 campaign with the Arizona Cardinals. While injuries limited him to just 13 games, the former second-round pick played adequately when on the field. According to Pro Football Focus, Hernandez finished the season with a 65.4 grade, making him the 30th-best guard out of 78 eligible players.
Will Hernandez originally entered the NFL as a second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Selected by the New York Giants, the Texas-El Paso product made an immediate impact for his team, starting all 16 games at left guard and earning a spot on the All-Rookie Team.
Hernandez built on that impressive rookie season to put together another strong campaign in 2019. Once again starting all 16 games, Hernandez helped keep rookie quarterback Daniel Jones upright while also clearing rushing lanes for second-year back Saquon Barkley. While the Giants once again failed to reach the playoffs, Hernandez himself was well on the way to establishing himself as one of the better guards in the league.
Unfortunately, Hernandez’ career took a turn for the worst in 2020. After landing on the reserve/COVID-19 list midway through the season, Hernandez lost his starting left guard job and didn’t re-gain the position. In total, the once-promising youngster appeared in 13 games while making seven starts under first-year head coach Joe Judge.
Will Hernandez bounced back during the final year of his contract. Starting and appearing in all 17 games, the offensive lineman never regained his rookie form, but still put together some adequate play on a Giants team that once again failed to qualify for postseason play.
Main Photo: Rob Schumacher – USA Today Sports
