One of the goals for the Arizona Cardinals this offseason was upgrading the supporting cast around quarterback Kyler Murray. In the 2024 NFL Draft, they accomplished that goal in a major way, selecting wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. No. 4 overall.
He will be a major upgrade at wide receiver, but the Arizona Cardinals could still use some work along the offensive line. Flipping Paris Johnson Jr. to left tackle from right tackle should bring some more stability to the offensive line.
However, the team is taking a major risk with Jonah Williams replacing D.J. Humphries in the lineup. Humphries was released earlier this offseason as a cap casualty and replaced by the former Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle.
In the opinion of Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, the Arizona Cardinals are going to regret making Williams their only significant offensive line change this offseason. After failing to cement himself as the Bengals’ left tackle, Williams improved at right tackle but was still underwhelming.
“Expecting Williams to outright replace Humphries would be a massive mistake, one Arizona can avoid if Johnson makes a successful transition. Having Williams on the roster gives the Cardinals a Plan B, though it’s not a very good one.
While Johnson may thrive in his new role, Williams may still be a liability on the other side. His level of play certainty doesn’t mirror the two-year, $30 million deal that Arizona handed him,” Knox wrote.
The Bengals replaced Williams at left tackle after he allowed 12 sacks in 2022. According to PFF, he didn’t get much better at right tackle in 2023. He was still flagged five times for penalties and allowed eight sacks.
Murray is as elusive and creative as any quarterback in the league with his athleticism and creativity. But the Arizona Cardinals could have some real concerns about keeping him clean in the pocket relying on Williams as a starter at tackle.
Maybe the Oklahoma product figures things out in Year 5 of his NFL career. His track record doesn’t suggest that will happen, but players develop at different rates. A new team with a cemented role could do wonders for his production.
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