Arizona Cardinals exercise 5th-year option for LT Paris Johnson

The Arizona Cardinals made an expected move that locks up tackle Paris Johnson for an additional year. According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, they have picked up the fifth-year team option for Johnson's contract, ensuring he is under contract through 2027.

The option will pay him $19 million in 2027, although he is eligible for a contract extension. Garafolo notes that Johnson will certainly make more than that "eventually via a new deal at some point."

Johnson was the sixth overall pick in the 2023 draft and, after playing right tackle his rookie season, he has been the team's starter at left tackle for the last two years. Knee injuries have ended his last two seasons, missing the final three in 2024 and the last five last season.

When healthy, he has played at a Pro Bowl level, although he has not yet received Pro Bowl honors.

It is uncertain whether the Cardinals will engage in contract extension talks this offseason or whether they wait until next offseason. General manager Monti Ossenfort said at the NFL combine, "(we) love what Paris brings to our team, on the field, off the field and want him to be a part of our program for a long time."

It would sound like it will be more of a question of when than if when it comes to an extension.

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