Cardinals sign safety Andrew Wingard to one-year, $3 million deal

Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) walks off the field after the game of an NFL football AFC Wild Card playoff matchup, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Bills defeated the Jaguars 27-24. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

GLENDALE – One of the biggest losses for the Arizona Cardinals in free agency was seven-year safety Jalen Thompson signing with the Dallas Cowboys. Thompson and Budda Baker have been the hawks of Arizona’s defense for years, but the franchise will now have a massive hole next to baker. Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort made his first attempt to fill the gap by signing Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard to a one-year, $3 million deal, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

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Cardinals find Thompson replacement in Wingard:

Similar to Thompson, Wingard is a seven-year pro, but the similarities end there. The 29-year-old was an undrafted free agent in 2019 and only started six games in his first two seasons. Wingard’s first opportunity as a starter was in 2021, starting 15 games and recording a career high with 88 tackles. Despite the production, the next three seasons would see Wingard used as a reserve role or strictly special teams.

After a knee injury derailed his 2024 campaign, Wingard would get his first opportunity to be a starter in years last season. The Colorado-native appeared and started in 16 games and recorded nine pass deflections, an interception and 84 tackles. All of those stats ranked top 3 on a defense that was the ninth-best scoring defense in the NFL.

Pro Football Focus gave him a 57.3 overall grade, 77th out of 98 eligible safeties. For reference, Thompson was ranked 34th with a 68.7 grade as a member of the Cardinals. However, an area that Wingard was much more productive at was against the run and on safety blitzes, recording 11 total pressures on the quarterback compared to one by Thompson. Arizona could be trying to add another layer to a lackluster pass rush from 2025.

Outside of the low rated PFF grade, Wingard stats showcase him being an above average player at his position, surrendering 28 receptions (22nd/98) and having 64 solo tackles (30th/98). The biggest problem from last season was finishing plays, missing 16 tackles, which ranks 87th out of 98 safeties.

If Wingard cleans up that part of his game, he could be a solid replacement for Thompson, who was a cornerstone of the Cardinals defense for years.

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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports