GLENDALE – As Summer approaches, the Arizona Cardinals still have a major offseason priority to handle , which is secure an extension with left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. before Week 1. Other players seeking new deals have garnered headlines, like Michael Wilson and Jacoby Brissett, but Johnson is the most underrated piece of the franchise’s rebuild. Since his arrival sixth overall in the 2023 NFL draft, the 24-year-old is the most consistent player on the roster and consistency goes a long way to the bank.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Cardinals already picked up his fifth-year option, but they’ll want to secure their franchise left tackle for a long time.
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) against the Green Bay Packers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
What does a Johnson extension look like?
Even during 2025’s nightmare season, Johnson still ranked quite highly compared to his teammates. The former Ohio State Buckeye was the 20th ranked tackle out of 89 in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus, with a 76.6 overall grade. Outside of center Hjalte Froholdt, all other starting offensive lineman were bottom 20 or worse for the Cardinals.
Despite the poor supporting cast, Johnson truly showcase his individual prowess. With the addition of 2nd-round pick Chase Bisontis and Isaac Seumalo, Arizona and Johnson’s life will become much easier.
Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. (70) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Basing off PFF grades, Johnson being the 20th ranked tackle puts him in the bracket of players making north of $20 million. Left tackles genuinely get paid more because of their importance of protecting the quarterback’s blind spot. Then, Johnson only being 24 years old make any long-term deal an investment that he’ll get better over time.
Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. (70) is introduced before playing against the New York Jets at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 10, 2024.
A comparative contract could be Seattle Seahawks left tackle Charles Cross, who just inked a four-year, $104.4 million deal with $75 million guaranteed. An average annual salary of $26 million likely seems the ball park for Johnson. His health, age and consistency will make him one of the highest paid tackles in football. A three-year, $78-$80 million deal with around $60 million in guarantees sounds fair for both sides to secure the offensive line cornerstone for the future.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
