Williams Jr. Battles For Cardinals Safety Spot

The Arizona Cardinals report to training camp on July 22, kicking off the preseason grind that will shape their 53‑man roster. One of the storylines this year centers on rookie safety Wydett Williams Jr., who arrived via an undrafted deal. As the team sorts out its defensive backfield, Williams is vying for a role on a roster that already features several established safeties.

Williams hails from Ole Miss after two seasons at Delta State and one at Louisiana‑Monroe, where he transferred before his collegiate career concluded. He went undrafted in the most recent draft but signed with the Cardinals shortly thereafter. The Arizona front office saw enough potential in his game to give him a chance at the next level.

During the 2025 season, Williams logged 73 tackles, one tackle for loss, three interceptions and ten pass breakups. Those numbers suggest he can contribute on the field, especially in coverage and as a playmaker in the secondary. His performance on the field has already drawn attention from coaching staff and fans alike.

Williams signed a three‑year contract worth just over $31 million, with a $10,000 signing bonus. An extra $100,000 is guaranteed if his $885,000 2026 salary vests, and he will count roughly $889,000 against the salary cap if he makes the active roster. The deal signals the Cardinals’ confidence in his upside while also providing a safety net for the franchise.

Even with the lucrative deal, Williams is viewed as a long shot to crack the 53‑man roster, making a practice‑squad assignment the most likely outcome unless another team claims him. The safety position is essentially locked in with Budda Baker, Rabbit Taylor‑Demerson and Andrew Wingard starting the offseason. That leaves only one or two open spots, and Williams sits at the bottom of the depth chart behind Joey Blount, Kitan Crawford and Isaiah Oliver. In this scenario, he is the least likely of the group to secure a roster berth.

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The piece first appeared on Cards Wire, offering a comprehensive look at Williams’s path to the NFL. It provides readers with background, contract details, and a realistic assessment of his chances. For those interested in more Cardinals content, the original article link is included below.

This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals training camp roster preview: S Wydett Williams Jr.