Cardinals Signed Jedrick Wills Jr. to Replace Johnson

The Arizona Cardinals added offensive lineman Jedrick Wills Jr. following Paris Johnson Jr.s season-ending injury.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Football

The Arizona Cardinals signed offensive lineman Jedrick Wills Jr. on Tuesday, adding depth to their roster after Paris Johnson Jr. suffered a season-ending injury. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Arizona Cardinals have signed offensive lineman Jedrick Wills Jr. from the Buffalo Bills practice squad. This move comes after starting left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. suffered a season-ending bicep injury.

Why it matters

The Cardinals required an immediate replacement for the anchor of their offensive line following Johnson Jr.s injury. Wills Jr. provides necessary depth for the position during the remainder of the season.

Jedrick Wills Jr. enters the roster having played 13 games over the past three seasons. He was previously selected 10th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.

The players

Jedrick Wills Jr.

He is an offensive lineman who was a former 10th overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Paris Johnson Jr.

He is the Arizona Cardinals starting left tackle who suffered a season-ending bicep injury.

Arizona Cardinals

They are a professional football team based in Phoenix that competes in the National Football League.

Buffalo Bills

They are a professional football team based in Orchard Park that competes in the National Football League.

The details

Wills Jr. joins the organization after stints with the Chicago Bears during the 2026 offseason and the Buffalo Bills practice squad. The lineman missed the entirety of the 2025 season while dealing with knee injuries.

2021: Jedrick Wills Jr. was selected 10th overall in the NFL Draft.
2025: Wills Jr. missed the entire NFL season due to knee injuries.
October 6, 2026: The Arizona Cardinals reported the signing of Wills Jr.

Season Trajectory

This roster move aims to maintain stability on the offensive line following a significant injury to a cornerstone player. It shifts the teams immediate depth chart while testing if the former high-round draft pick can provide reliable protection for the remainder of the season.

Fantasy managers should note that the offensive line shuffling may impact the teams overall protection schemes for the quarterback. The signing specifically addresses a void left by the injured Johnson Jr. to keep the starting rotation intact.

The takeaway

Reliable depth remains the most critical factor for NFL teams navigating season-ending injuries to key starters. The Cardinals are betting that a former top-ten draft pick can reclaim his form and stabilize their line after a long period of unavailability.