The Arizona Cardinals have been no stranger to change in 2019. After going 3-13 in 2018, the Redbirds swapped head coach Steve Wilks for Air-Raid extraordinaire Kliff Kingsbury, then got his guy in Kyler Murray at No. 1 overall. The differences don’t end at coach and signal-caller; as they drafted 11 players, got a deep free agency haul highlighted by Jordan Hicks and Terrell Suggs, and of course, traded Josh Rosen.
With an offseason underlined by massive change, the Cardinals must continue to do so to reset a locker room; get the most out of the roster; forget about a putrid 2018 showing. By the time training camp ends, though, most of that new change will come via subtraction; as is the nature of completing a 53-man roster.
3. Chad Williams – WR
The Cardinals’ receiving corps has long been a weak spot on the team — outside of Larry Fitzgerald. Over the past two drafts, general manager Steve Keim has attempted to change that, selecting Christian Kirk, Andy Isabella, and Hakeem Butler in the top four rounds, and KeeSean Johnson in the sixth. Kevin White and Damiere Byrd came along via free agency. So where does that put 2017 third-round pick, Chad Williams? Likely out of a job in the desert.
In 2018, the speedy Williams disappointed coming off an uninspiring rookie year. He entered the season as a starter and finished with just 17 receptions for 171 yards and a touchdown on a putrid 37% catch rate. Williams’ drop issues are frustrating, and his lack of improvement in two seasons is notable. Considering the young assets, now all but locked into the position alongside Larry Fitzgerald, Williams is an obvious cut candidate.
2. Pharoh Cooper – WR
As previously mentioned, the Cardinals added a bevy of pass-catchers over the last two drafts and in free agency. The moves hurt Williams’ stock, and returner Pharoh Cooper’s. In 2017, Cooper was an All-Pro returner, but it didn’t save him from being cut by the Los Angeles Rams in favor of JoJo Natson. Though he’s effective returning punts and kicks, he doesn’t offer much on offense (190 career receiving yards in three seasons).
With career return man Damiere Byrd and the two quick youngsters Christian Kirk and Andy Isabella on the roster, the Cardinals may not find a need to continue to employ Cooper. The latter two will make the roster – as recent second-round picks – and Byrd could follow. The Cardinals’ movements in the off-season indicate that Cooper may be on thin ice; considering he didn’t catch a pass in 2018, it may be getting thinner.
1. Brandon Williams – CB
Though he’s proved to be a decent special-teamer, Brandon Williams’ departure seems long overdue. The 26-year-old has been healthy and available for the Cardinals, but he hasn’t received meaningful snaps for two different coaching staffs. In 2018, he saw his snap share decrease to the lowest of his career – 7.6%.
An athletic third-round pick in 2016, Williams has been a penultimate disappointment for the Cardinals. As a former college running back, many were skeptical about his move to cornerback; it turns out, those critics were right. He hasn’t started a game since his rookie year. With a revamped Cardinals cornerback group in-place, that likely won’t change soon.
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