Full Breakdown
Cardinals lock up center Hjalte Froholdt with two-year, $20 million extension
8/27/2026, 6:15:26 AM
Core Deal Details
- On August 25 2026 the Arizona Cardinals announced a two-year contract extension for center Hjalte Froholdt through the 2028 season. The deal is reported to be worth $20 million, placing him among the top-10 average salaries for NFL centers. (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network)
Background & Context
- Froholdt was a fourth-round (118th overall) pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. After stints with the Patriots and Browns, he signed with Arizona as an unrestricted free agent in 2023.
- Since joining the Cardinals, he has started every regular-season game (51 consecutive starts) and served as a team captain in 2025. The franchise’s offensive line had allowed the fifth most sacks in the league in 2025, making the interior anchor a priority.
Timeline
- 2019 – Drafted by Patriots (4th round).
- 2023 – Signs with Cardinals as free agent.
- 2023-2025 – Starts all 51 games at center; logs 99%+ snap percentages each season.
- August 25 2026 – Extension announced (two years, $20 million).
Data & Statistics
- Snap count (2025): 1,121 at center (PFF).
- Penalties: five; sacks allowed: one.
- Availability: 99%, 98% and 99% of team snaps over the past three seasons.
- PFF ranking: No. 8 among centers entering 2026.
- Contract value: $20 million ranks 13th for the position (Spotrac); average $10 million per season ties for tenth highest average.
Official Statements & Responses
- Head coach Mike LaFleur praised Froholdt’s football IQ and leadership, noting his role in organizing protections and communicating adjustments.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Personally you always got to get your own mindset ready for all the physical things going to happen.” — Hjalte Froholdt
- “You can see Fro is tight with all these guys, but I know that those quarterbacks, as we build this thing even more, will appreciate when Fro has the ability to make such changes,” — LaFleur
Impact on the Offensive Line
- With Froholdt secured through 2028, all five starting offensive linemen are under contract through at least the 2027 season: left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. (through 2027), left guard Isaac Seumalo (through 2028), right guard Isaiah Adams (through 2027), and right tackle Elijah Wilkinson (through 2027).
- The extension adds continuity at the interior line, stabilizing protection for quarterback Jacoby Brissett and supporting the running game that produced consecutive 1,000-yard seasons for James Conner during Froholdt’s first two years in Arizona.
What’s Next
- The Cardinals will enter the 2026 preseason with a fully signed starting line. No further contract negotiations for other linemen have been announced, though the future of right tackle Elijah Wilkinson may be evaluated after the 2026 season.
