Former Vikings Offensive Lineman Signs with Cardinals
Josh Frey
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The Minnesota Vikings and many other teams across the NFL are beginning training camp today, with veterans reporting to the facilities on Tuesday.
Another team that had both rookies and veterans report on Tuesday was the Arizona Cardinals, and in an attempt to finalize their training camp roster, the Cardinals have decided to sign former Vikings offensive lineman Pat Elflein.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported the signing via Twitter, writing, “The #Cardinals signed five players, including veteran C Pat Elflein and TE Geoff Swaim.”
Elflein, 29, was a third-round draft pick by Rick Spielman’s Vikings back in the 2017 Draft, being taken with the 70th overall selection. He spent his first three-plus years with the Vikings, starting a total of 43 games for Minnesota.
However, after a strong rookie campaign at the center position, it quickly became apparent that he was in a bit over his head with the Vikings as a starter. During his three full seasons in Minnesota, he recorded PFF grades of 66.6 (2017), 41.9 (2018), and 62.3 (2019).
Elflein began his NFL career for the Vikings at center, but when Minnesota opted to draft Garrett Bradbury in the first round during the 2019 Draft, he was forced to kick over to the left guard spot during that 2019 regular season.
A year later, Minnesota selected Ezra Cleveland in the second round of the 2020 Draft, and that left very little room for Elflein in the starting lineup. To make matters worse, he began training camp on the PUP list because of a thumb injury. He would start just one game for the Vikings during that 2020 season before being waived and picked up by the New York Jets.
Elflein would start six games for New York after being signed, still primarily playing at left guard. Then, prior to the 2021 season, he joined the Carolina Panthers where he started nine games in 2021 as well as six in 2022. Those starts all came back at his natural center position. Injuries would end his 2022 season after suffering a hip injury mid-season.
Now, the former Vikings offensive lineman joins a rebuilding Cardinals squad that will miss the presence of their QB Kyler Murray for at least a chunk of the 2023 season. Competing with him for spots on the interior offensive line are first-round pick Paris Johnson, Hjalte Froholdt, Will Hernandez, Elijah Wilkinson, Lecitus Smith, Hayden Howerton, Jon Gaines, and Marquis Hayes.
After facing the Cardinals in each of the past two regular seasons, Minnesota will not play against Arizona in a contest that counts towards the standings in 2023, unless the two teams meet during the playoffs.
However, the Vikings will see the Cardinals in their final preseason game this summer, hosting them on August 26th at 12 PM CST. The two teams will also take part in joint practices prior to the Saturday game.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.