Arizona Cardinals free agency grades: DL Roy Lopez

The Cardinals added DL Roy Lopez in free agency. We grade the free agent addition for 2026.

The first week of NFL free agency is in the books. The Arizona Cardinals have been active, although they have not made any real significant moves like last offseason. It is time to start grading their initial moves.

We don’t know how they will actually work out, as the season is still months away, but based on need, fit and value, we can give initial grades.

Let’s look at defensive lineman Roy Lopez.

Grading the Cardinals’ signing of Roy Lopez

Grade: B-minus

Lopez returns to Arizona after a season in Detroit on a two-year, $10.5 million contract. He will presumably be the team’s starting nose tackle. He is not a spectacular player, but he is solid. He had career-highs in sacks (two) and quarterback hits (five) while playing in a rotational role for the Lions. He logged 425 defensive snaps.

He is a space eater. He is active. He doesn’t produce a lot, but he also didn’t cost much. He is a veteran, something badly needed in the Cardinals’ defensive line room after the release of Justin Jones and Bilal Nichols, and with the uncertain status of Calais Campbell.

He is another player who is not a bad signing. It’s decent signing.

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