The Arizona Cardinals added Hunter Long to their roster in a trade this weekend as they finalize personnel ahead of the 53-man cutdown and prepare for their opener against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Trade details and immediate context
The Cardinals acquired Hunter Long, a move Arizona Sports reported citing NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. The transaction arrives with Tip Reiman already ruled out for Week 1 and still listed on the active/physically unable to perform list; some reports linked the move to Reiman's status.
Yardbarker had earlier named Long among potential trade candidates in its preseason trade block, portraying that possibility as part of the roster churn ahead of cuts.
Long’s recent track record and why he fits
Long comes to Arizona after appearing in nine games last season with Jacksonville, with three starts. In that 2025 campaign he caught 12 passes on 17 targets for 85 yards and two touchdowns.
His professional path includes two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams (2023-24) after being selected No. 81 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Long entered the league after a decorated college run at Boston College, where he earned first-team All-ACC and second-team All‑American honors in 2020.
Financially, his rookie entry included a four-year deal worth roughly $4.97 million with a signing bonus near $974,000; he left that contract in free agency before signing with Jacksonville for 2025.
What the move means for Arizona
The addition provides the Cardinals with an experienced rotational option as they navigate an immediate availability problem at the position group affected by Reiman’s absence. Arizona Sports framed the trade as a sensible depth move given Reiman’s Week 1 status and uncertain timeline.
Given Long’s recent role as a primarily blocking contributor and his limited target volume in 2025, the Cardinals appear to be emphasizing immediate, practical depth rather than a high-volume receiving upgrade. How much Long will play and whether he factors into the passing game early in the season will be revealed as Arizona finalizes its Week 1 game plan.
With roster cut decisions imminent, the Cardinals have acted to shore up spots that required quick attention. Long has experience with multiple organizations and a notable college pedigree, and the move comes with Tip Reiman already ruled out for Week 1 and his status beyond that in question.
