Cardinals Sign Safety Andrew Wingard in Free Agency

Veteran defensive back joins Arizona's secondary after Jalen Thompson's departure to Dallas Cowboys

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:33am

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The Arizona Cardinals have signed safety Andrew Wingard in free agency, adding depth to their secondary after the departure of Jalen Thompson to the Dallas Cowboys. Wingard, who started full-time for the Jacksonville Jaguars last season, is expected to fill the third safety role previously held by Rabbit Taylor-Demerson.

Why it matters

With Thompson leaving in free agency, the Cardinals needed to find a replacement in the defensive backfield. Wingard provides experienced depth and could allow the team to keep Rabbit Taylor-Demerson in his familiar third safety role.

The details

Wingard, 27, recorded 84 tackles, one interception and nine pass breakups for the Jaguars in 2025. While he struggled at times in coverage, he is considered a solid run defender. His contract with the Cardinals is reportedly worth $3 million.

  • Wingard signed with the Cardinals in March 2026 free agency.
  • Jalen Thompson departed the Cardinals for the Dallas Cowboys earlier in March 2026 free agency.

The players

Andrew Wingard

A 27-year-old safety who started full-time for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025, recording 84 tackles, one interception and nine pass breakups.

Jalen Thompson

The Cardinals' former starting safety who departed in free agency to join the Dallas Cowboys.

Rabbit Taylor-Demerson

The Cardinals' third safety last season, expected to retain that role with Wingard joining the team.

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What they’re saying

“Wingard is a decent addition to the secondary. With Jalen Thompson departing in free agency to the Dallas Cowboys, the Cardinals needed a replacement. Wingard could end up being the team's third safety, the role held by Rabbit Taylor-Demerson last year, playing behind Taylor-Demerson.”

— Jess Root, Cards Wire writer (yahoo.com)

The takeaway

The Cardinals have addressed a need in their secondary by signing the veteran Wingard, who should provide solid depth and allow the team to keep Rabbit Taylor-Demerson in his familiar third safety role after the departure of Jalen Thompson.