Pat Elflein is back on an NFL roster.
After going unsigned for nearly four months since being waived by the Carolina Panthers, Elflein signed with the Arizona Cardinals on Tuesday, giving the former Ohio State offensive lineman a chance to compete for a starting job.
We have signed LS Jack Coco, WR Davion Davis, WR Kaden Davis, OL Pat Elflein, and TE Geoff Swaim.
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) July 25, 2023
Elflein, who was the starting center for the Panthers’ first six games in 2022 until he suffered a season-ending hip injury, is expected to contend with Hjalte Froholdt for the Cardinals’ starting center job. They’ll be competing to fill a spot that was occupied last season by Billy Price, who replaced Elflein as Ohio State’s starting center in 2017 after previously starting alongside Elflein at guard. Price is currently an NFL free agent after he was released by the New Orleans Saints with a non-football injury designation.
A third-round pick in 2017, Elflein is entering his seventh season in the NFL. He has started 64 games between the center and left guard positions in his first six NFL seasons, starting his career with the Minnesota Vikings until he was traded to the New York Jets in 2020. Elflein spent the last two years with the Panthers but was released with one year remaining on his contract.
