The release of Maxx Williams surprised the Arizona Cardinals fanbase

Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim pulled an unpopular move when he handed tight end Maxx Williams his walking papers. 

Not every move that general manager Steve Keim makes will win favor with the Arizona Cardinals fanbase. The job of the man who runs the team’s personnel department is far from an easy one.

On Friday, Keim cut ties with a player who had become quite popular with those who follow the Cardinals. Maxx Williams, the charismatic tight end who joined the club back in 2019, is no longer with the squad. Why would Keim release an individual who has been a class act both on and off of the field for the Cards organization?

As it turns out, there are a handful of explanations that Arizona could give for handing Williams his walking papers. The most obvious reason could have to do with the health of the 28-year old veteran. Apparently, Williams is dealing with both knee and ankle issues at the present time.

The Cardinals also may need the roster spot that Williams’ departure has created. Both cornerback Antonio Hamilton and quarterback Colt McCoy are eligible to come off of the injured-reserve list this week. There’s a good possibility that the Redbirds may want to activate either Hamilton or McCoy, or both, for this Sunday’s matchup with the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles.

Arizona Cardinals are well-stocked at the tight end position this season

In addition, Williams’ playing time could’ve been significantly diminished in the coming weeks. It can be argued that the Cards have one of the league’s deepest tight end rooms at the present time. Zach Ertz earned three Pro Bowl nods, and rookie Trey McBride is starting to emerge as a viable pass-catching option for the “Air Raid” offense.

There’s also a chance that Williams could be brought back into the fold at a later time. Keim mentioned that as a possibility during his appearance on Arizona Sports’ “Burns and Gambo” show on Friday.

"“We’d like to keep him around for sure. You have that opportunity with the practice squad and some other opportunities, but he’s such a quality human being. I can’t say enough good things about him”. – Steve Keim, via Burns and Gambo."

It goes without saying that Williams would be welcomed back with open arms. It’s a shame that the Minnesota native had to be jettisoned in the first place, but business obviously supersedes sentiment in today’s National Football League.