Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Cardinals latest signing bolsters up pass rush in 2026

Originally posted on Burn City Sports
By Tanner Tortorella | Last updated Mar 12, 2026 8:47 PM ET

GLENDALE – Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort continues to bring in veteran pieces via free agency, with his latest signing dealing with the defensive front. Arizona had one of the weakest front seven in footballs, failing to stop the run or bring any sort of pressure to opposing quarterbacks. The Cardinals third overall pick in the 2026 draft will be a stellar way to address that need for Ossenfort, but before then, he has been looking in free agency to add depth to the D-line.

The franchise is bringing in former New Orleans Saint defensive lineman Jonah Williams in on a two-year deal, according to ESPN reporter Katherine Terrell.

Williams newest Cardinals signee:

Williams went undrafted out of Weber State, signed with the Los Angeles Rams following the 2021 NFL draft. The 30-year-old spend his first three season with the Rams and had a reserve role for his first couple of years. He got his first opportunity in 2023, starting 16 out of 17 games, recording two sacks, 49 tackles and four quarterback hits.

Despite having the best season of his career, Williams bounced around to three teams the following year and struggled to maintain a roster. Saints was able to give Williams another full-time opportunity in 2025, appearing in 15 games.

Pro Football Focus gave Williams a 41.6 overall grade, 124th out of 134 DL, in his 319 snaps. The poor grade is concerning, but he recorded a career high in pressures (11), sacks (3), tackles for loss (5), and quarterback hits (5). Williams grade tanked because of his poor run defense, but it is clear from the limited reps that he’s able to get to the quarterback efficiently.

From the few defensive signings Ossenfort has made this free agency, it is clear that he is looking to add players to the Cardinals defense that can get to the backfield.

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: