Analyst Says Cardinals Overpaid New Signing
ARIZONA -- The Arizona Cardinals made their first splash of free agency yesterday with the addition of Cincinnati Bengals OT Jonah Williams on a reported two-year, $30 million deal with $19 million guaranteed.
The move came very shortly after releasing left tackle D.J. Humphries - which was expected given his age, health and contract status.
It's yet to be seen what side of the line Williams will be working on, though Bleacher Report clearly isn't a fan of the move:
"On the plus side, Williams has experience starting at right and left tackle, which gives Arizona some flexibility with 2023 first-round pick Paris Johnson Jr. Williams showed some improvement as a run-blocker after moving to the right side in 2023, so Johnson may now make the move to left tackle," wrote Kristopher Knox.
"Unfortunately, Williams has struggled in pass protection regardless of where he's lined up. In 2023, the 26-year-old was responsible for five penalties and eight sacks allowed, according to Pro Football Focus.
"Williams was one of the better options on an underwhelming tackle market, but at $15 million annually with $19 million guaranteed, the Cardinals overpaid."
Williams looks to pair with Johnson as two bookend tackles for quarterback Kyler Murray moving forward.
Spotrac is showing Williams' $30 million is sixth in total value for free agent offensive linemen this cycle while his $15 million per year average is fourth and total guaranteed money ($19 million) ranks seventh.
25 offensive tackles have an annual average of $15 million or higher heading into 2024.
