The center position in the NFL, while underrated to many, is one of the most important in all of the NFL.
This was especially evidenced by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022, given their amount of quarterback sneaks.
Having an elite center can be the difference between a good and a great offensive line.
The Arizona Cardinals will be without one elite center moving forward, as Rodney Hudson is set to retire, per ESPN.
#Cardinals Center Rodney Hudson is expected to retire after 12 NFL seasons, according to ESPN.
Hudson played in 159 games for both the #raiders and Cardinals and made it to 3 Pro-Bowl teams and was an All-Pro in 2019. pic.twitter.com/nTawGad9Vf
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 5, 2023
Hudson was one of the league’s best centers during his 12-year career.
He played for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2011-2014, the Las Vegas Raiders from 2015-2020, and finished his career with the Cardinals.
During his time in the NFL, Hudson made it to three Pro Bowls and was a second-team All-Pro in 2019.
Wherever Hudson played, he made a big impact as the leader of the offensive line.
Now, the Cardinals will have to look elsewhere at the position, either in the draft or in free agency.
The Cardinals have two prime draft picks in 2023, picking third and 34th overall.
They could put themselves into a great position by drafting a center in the second or third rounds, depending on who is available at the time.
Last season, the Cardinals finished with a 4-13 record, largely due to the injuries that Kyler Murray was dealing with.
If Murray is healthy, the Cardinals could see marked improvement next season.
With a brand-new coaching staff and a solid draft class, the Cardinals might just be able to turn their organization around, even without Hudson.
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New Cardinals Coach Comments On His Relationship With Kyler Murray
