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One of the NFL’s best young offensive tackles is undoubtedly Arizona Cardinals star Paris Johnson Jr. Since the Cardinals drafted him in 2023, Johnson has developed into one of the league’s top left tackles.
While the Cardinals have plenty of questions about their future, Johnson isn’t one of them.
MORE: Texans are relying too much on a player who has failed them multiple times
The only real question surrounding him is how much his contract extension will cost when he eventually signs it. His fifth-year option for 2027 is worth $19 million, but Johnson’s mindset is to earn double that. He joined the PHNX Arizona Cardinals Podcast and explained his approach.
Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. speaks to the media after minicamp practice at the Arizona Cardinals training facility on June 9, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
“When I watch tape, when I go to practice, and when I play in a game, my mindset is to be the $40 million man. When I watch my tape, I ask myself, ‘Would you pay this guy $40 M’s?’ That’s how I watch my tape. That’s how I go out to practice. That’s how I play. Because the guy I’m lining up against, if he’s worth something, he’s worth at least $35-$50 million.”
Johnson makes a compelling point. After Will Anderson Jr. set a contract record with the Houston Texans, that is exactly the salary range the NFL’s top pass rushers are commanding.
Johnson knows that if anyone has a chance to reset the offensive tackle market, it starts with his performance. Ultimately, how he plays will determine what he earns.
MORE: Fernando Mendoza explains why Indiana’s pitch won, led to NFL Draft glory
After allowing eight sacks as a rookie, Johnson cut that total in half in 2024 and surrendered very few in 2025. While he still has room to improve, he plays one of the NFL’s premier positions and will protect Jacoby Brissett’s blind side in 2026.
Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) greets teammates Emari Demercado (31) and Jacoby Brissett (7) against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
According to Spotrac, Johnson’s current market value sits at $23.5 million per year. That’s roughly the average annual value of the contract Dan Moore Jr. signed with the Tennessee Titans last offseason.
Johnson almost certainly has a higher ceiling than Moore. If he wants to make a legitimate case to become the NFL’s highest-paid offensive tackle, he’ll need to reach Laremy Tunsil’s level of play.
Will Johnson become the NFL’s first $40 million offensive tackle?
Continue reading...
While the Cardinals have plenty of questions about their future, Johnson isn’t one of them.
MORE: Texans are relying too much on a player who has failed them multiple times
The only real question surrounding him is how much his contract extension will cost when he eventually signs it. His fifth-year option for 2027 is worth $19 million, but Johnson’s mindset is to earn double that. He joined the PHNX Arizona Cardinals Podcast and explained his approach.
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Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. speaks to the media after minicamp practice at the Arizona Cardinals training facility on June 9, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
“When I watch tape, when I go to practice, and when I play in a game, my mindset is to be the $40 million man. When I watch my tape, I ask myself, ‘Would you pay this guy $40 M’s?’ That’s how I watch my tape. That’s how I go out to practice. That’s how I play. Because the guy I’m lining up against, if he’s worth something, he’s worth at least $35-$50 million.”
$40M goal
Johnson makes a compelling point. After Will Anderson Jr. set a contract record with the Houston Texans, that is exactly the salary range the NFL’s top pass rushers are commanding.
Johnson knows that if anyone has a chance to reset the offensive tackle market, it starts with his performance. Ultimately, how he plays will determine what he earns.
MORE: Fernando Mendoza explains why Indiana’s pitch won, led to NFL Draft glory
After allowing eight sacks as a rookie, Johnson cut that total in half in 2024 and surrendered very few in 2025. While he still has room to improve, he plays one of the NFL’s premier positions and will protect Jacoby Brissett’s blind side in 2026.
You must be registered for see images attach
Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) greets teammates Emari Demercado (31) and Jacoby Brissett (7) against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
According to Spotrac, Johnson’s current market value sits at $23.5 million per year. That’s roughly the average annual value of the contract Dan Moore Jr. signed with the Tennessee Titans last offseason.
Johnson almost certainly has a higher ceiling than Moore. If he wants to make a legitimate case to become the NFL’s highest-paid offensive tackle, he’ll need to reach Laremy Tunsil’s level of play.
Will Johnson become the NFL’s first $40 million offensive tackle?
Continue reading...
