Mike Iupati Reportedly Signs with Cardinals

Adam WellsMar 8, 2015

Mike Iupati has spent his entire five-year career with the San Francisco 49ers, but he's earned the right to explore free agency. The 27-year-old guard figures to be in high demand after making the Pro Bowl in each of the last three years. Iupati has reportedly signed with the Arizona Cardinals.

Continue for updates.

Iupati Reportedly Signs With Cardinals

Tuesday, March 10

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Iupati has agreed to a five-year contract with the Cardinals:

On March 9, Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle reported that the Oakland Raiders were making a play for Iupati. Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reported that the New York Jets were "aggressively" pursuing Iupati as free agency approaches.

Multiple Teams Reportedly in the Hunt For Iupati

Sunday, March 8

According to Tomasson, Iupati is already starting to draw interest from potential suitors looking to bolster their offensive lines. Tomasson reported that the Minnesota Vikings have reached out to Iupati's representatives as free agency approaches.

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports added multiple other teams that are interested:

After the 49ers finished their disappointing 8-8 season, Iupati said he hoped to return to San Francisco, telling Andrew Pentis of the team's website it would "suck if I do go somewhere (else). This is my home."

Wherever Iupati goes, his team will have to deal with some limitations. Despite being named to the Pro Bowl three times, the veteran offensive lineman is far more renowned as a run-blocker than in pass protection.

According to Khaled Elsayed of Pro Football Focus, Iupati has been the epitome of what made San Francisco's offense so good, and perhaps overrated, over the last four years: "As is often the case in San Francisco, they are a bullying group of linemen who can impose themselves in the run game, but are susceptible to giving up quick pressure. No difference this year with free agent-to-be Mike Iupati epitomizing this."

It would make sense for Iupati to find a situation with a strong running game, as that highlights his best assets on the field and doesn't force him into pass protection, where his flaws get exposed. Given his age and his track record, his contract will be one of the most fascinating this offseason.

Teams are always searching for versatility and stability on the offensive line. It is the foundation of a team and is essential to having success. Iupati may not be the most dynamic player, but the one thing he does, he does as well as anyone in the NFL.

For a 27-year-old, Iupati may have more growth potential on his second contract to become a well-rounded guard. In a worst-case scenario, he will at least be a standout in the running game and can be hidden in certain passing situations.