Cardinals Secure OT Jonah Williams with 2-Year, $30M Contract

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Former Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Jonah Williams has agreed to a two-year contract worth $30 million with the Arizona Cardinals and the contract includes $19 million in guaranteed money.

Williams is set to take over the position previously held by D.J. Humphries, the Cardinals’ longtime left tackle, who was released just before news of Williams’ signing emerged. 

Humphries, who suffered a left ACL tear on New Year’s Eve in Philadelphia, had been slated for a cap hit of $22.8 million in 2024. As a result of his release, the Cardinals will incur $13.8 million in dead money.

Cardinals’ Offensive Line Strengthened with Williams

Cardinals-Secure-OT-Jonah-Williams-with-2-Year,-$30M-Contract
BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 16: Jonah Williams #73 of the Cincinnati Bengals walks off of the field after an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 16, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Following the acquisition of Williams, the Cardinals have fortified their offensive line with a pair of tackles, complementing Paris Johnson Jr., who is embarking on his second season. 

Johnson demonstrated consistency by playing in all 17 games at right tackle during the 2023 season, refraining from shifting to left tackle even after Humphries’ injury in the season finale.

It remains uncertain whether Williams will assume Humphries’ position at left tackle. An evaluation period is anticipated for both Williams and Johnson once offseason practices commence.

Jonah Williams: Bengals’ Versatile Lineman

Williams, aged 26, has amassed 59 starts for the Bengals over a span of four seasons. Selected in the first round of the 2019 draft, Williams marked the initial choice under the current leadership of coach Zac Taylor and predominantly occupied the role of left tackle throughout his career.

In 2023, Cincinnati enlisted the services of Orlando Brown Jr., a four-time Pro Bowl selection, to fill the left tackle position, prompting Williams to transition to right tackle. Initially contemplating a trade following this adjustment, Williams ultimately remained with the team for the entirety of the season.

The former standout from the University of Alabama encountered setbacks early in his NFL career, including a torn labrum in his left shoulder sustained during OTAs, resulting in his absence for the entirety of his rookie season due to surgery to rectify the injury. 

Subsequently, he suffered a season-ending right knee injury in 2020 and a left knee injury in 2022, which led to his absence from two postseason games.

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