What Should the Arizona Cardinals Do with Jonah Williams? A Pivotal Decision Looms
The Arizona Cardinals are on the clock—54 days, to be exact. That’s how long the team has to decide the future of right tackle Jonah Williams, and the choice is anything but simple. On one hand, Williams displayed solid performance during the 2024 season. On the other hand, injuries have limited his availability, making his hefty contract a significant point of contention. Let’s dive into the numbers, context, and implications behind this decision.
A Rocky Journey for Jonah Williams
Williams’ tenure with the Cardinals has been riddled with highs and lows. After signing a two-year contract as an unrestricted free agent, he entered the 2024 season with high expectations. However, knee issues have plagued him since his days with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Back in Week 5 of the 2022 season, Williams suffered a right knee injury but pushed through to finish the year. Unfortunately, the postseason brought more bad news—a dislocated left knee that sidelined him during the offseason. Remarkably, he managed to start all 17 games in 2023, but his resilience would be tested again in 2024.
His latest troubles began during the first quarter of the 2024 season opener. Though he returned to action on November 20 after a stint on injured reserve, he managed just five more games before being placed back on IR on December 24.
One standout moment from his tumultuous season came in Week 15, when he recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown against the New England Patriots—a thrilling highlight in an otherwise challenging year.
The Contract Conundrum: A Financial Balancing Act
Williams’ deal with the Cardinals has been structured in a way that underscores the team’s cautious optimism. The two-year agreement came with a $14 million signing bonus, which is spread over four years for salary-cap purposes thanks to the inclusion of two void years.
So far, the Cardinals have paid him approximately $16.78 million, which includes:
- Signing bonus: $14 million
- 2024 salary: $2.5 million
- Per-game bonuses: $180,000 (based on six games played)
- Offseason workout bonus: $100,000
Looking ahead to 2025, Williams is set to earn:
- Base salary: $10.78 million
- Roster bonus: $1.5 million (payable if he’s on the roster by March 16)
- Per-game roster bonuses: Up to $510,000
- Offseason workout bonus: $100,000
Altogether, his 2025 cap hit could total $16.06 million—a significant figure for a player with uncertain availability.
Key Deadlines and Cost-Saving Opportunities
Timing will be everything for the Cardinals as they weigh their options. If they release Williams before the fifth day of the new league year (March 16), they can save over $3 million against the cap—or at worst, break even.
Here’s how the numbers break down:
- If released before March 16: The Cardinals would incur a $10.5 million dead-money cap charge from the remaining prorated signing bonus and $2.5 million of guaranteed salary. That totals $13 million.
- If released after March 16: The dead-money cap charge would increase by $2.5 million, as his roster bonus and injury-guaranteed salary would convert to fully guaranteed amounts.
The biggest wildcard? Williams’ health. If he’s still injured by the time of a potential release, the Cardinals might be on the hook for the additional $2.5 million cash and cap.
Is Jonah Williams Worth the Gamble?
At the heart of the matter is a fundamental question: Can the Cardinals trust Williams to stay healthy and deliver consistent performance moving forward?
The team’s decision may hinge on multiple factors, including the severity of his December 22 injury and their evaluation of his long-term durability. If they’re optimistic about his recovery and contributions, retaining him could make sense. However, if they have doubts, moving on would provide much-needed cap relief.
Should the Cardinals decide to part ways with Williams, they’ll need a strong contingency plan. Options could include re-signing veteran Kelvin Beachum, who has experience in the role, or leaning on 2024 rookie Christian Jones. Jones showcased his potential in the season finale against the San Francisco 49ers, providing a glimpse of what the future might hold.
Exciting Possibilities and Strategic Implications
While the decision on Jonah Williams may seem like a straightforward financial move, it’s a domino that could impact the Cardinals’ broader strategy. Here’s why:
- Cap Flexibility: Freeing up over $3 million in cap space could allow the team to invest in other areas, such as strengthening the offensive line or adding depth at skill positions.
- Rookie Development: If the team is confident in Christian Jones, this could be a perfect opportunity to groom him for a starting role.
- Win-Now vs. Rebuild: The Cardinals must evaluate whether keeping Williams aligns with their short-term and long-term goals. Are they focused on immediate contention, or is this a time to recalibrate for the future?
What’s Next for the Cardinals?
As the March 16 deadline approaches, the Arizona Cardinals face a pivotal decision that could shape the trajectory of their 2025 season. Whether they roll the dice on Jonah Williams or turn the page, one thing is clear—this decision isn’t just about one player; it’s about setting the tone for the team’s future.
The clock is ticking, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Whatever the outcome, Cardinals fans will be watching closely to see how this chapter unfolds.
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