Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Braden Smith (72) moves on the field Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, during a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Syndication: The Indianapolis StarTanner TortorellaSun, March 1, 2026 at 1:04 AM UTC·2 min readGLENDALE – There’s plenty of holes when a team goes 3-14, but the Arizona Cardinals had a glaring one that plagued them all 2025. From one of its strong points to one of its weakest, Arizona’s offensive line went from a top five unit to bottom five in one season. A whopping 59 sacks allowed (28th) and 93.1 rushing yards per game (31st) were massive drop offs compared to the previous year.
The franchise will need to look for avenues to improve it, and ESPN’s Aaron Schatz found a solution in free agent tackle Braden Smith from the Indianapolis Colts.
Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Braden Smith (72) blocks Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Justin Eboigbe (92) during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSchatz on what Smith would bring to Cardinals:
“Here’s the team with the biggest need for a right tackle, as both Jonah Williams and Kelvin Beachum were low in pass block win rate last season and are going to be free agents. Smith has been steady for the Colts, ranking 34th out of 68 qualifying players in pass block win rate last season (90.6%).”
Nov 23, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Braden Smith (72) on field against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Smith appeared in 13 games for the Colts in 2025, before being placed on injury reserve for a concussion suffered in Week 14. The 29-year-old carries a 65.3 overall PFF grade, with a 71.9 passing block grade. Each number was better than both Cardinals starting right tackle last season Jonah Williams and Kelvin Beachum.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMany mock drafts have Arizona going offensive lineman with its third overall pick. If the franchise decides to do that, it takes a serious step towards investing in its offensive line with potentially two difference makers.
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