Arizona Cardinals: 5 cut candidates, post draft

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 01: Arizona Cardinals center A.Q. Shipley (53) looks on during the NFL game between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 01: Arizona Cardinals center A.Q. Shipley (53) looks on during the NFL game between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – AUGUST 30: Cornerback Brandon Williams #26 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up before the preseason NFL game against the Denver Broncos at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – AUGUST 30: Cornerback Brandon Williams #26 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up before the preseason NFL game against the Denver Broncos at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Brandon Williams – CB

Though he’s proved to be a decent special-teamer, Williams’ departure seems long overdue. After the veteran additions of Robert Alford, Josh Shaw, and Tramaine Brock and the drafting of Byron Murphy at No. 33 overall, that cut may finally happen.

The 26-year-old has been healthy and available for the Cardinals but has failed to receive meaningful snaps for two different coaching staffs. He started his career with a solid rookie pre-season, but since, has not seen much time outside of special teams. In 2018, he saw his snap share decrease to 7.6% — the lowest of his career.

Williams, like the other one named Chad, was a third-round draft pick by Keim. He tested well in terms of athletic measurables but was a running back convert, yes, a running back convert. Most considered the pick to be a reach, and it was. I expect this cut to happen, but only if Keim is willing to swallow the big ol’ pride pill.

However, if anybody can get the best out of Williams it is newly hired defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. He made a name for himself as a defensive back coach in Houston and has groomed a lot of excellent cornerbacks. But, after three years of little to no success outside of special teams, saving that $740 thousand in 2019, per Over The Cap, may project as the better option.