Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Cardinals reveal big change on offensive line

Originally posted on Burn City Sports | By Brendan Mau | Last updated 5/20/24

Ahead of the first day of voluntary OTAs (Organized Team Activities) today, Arizona Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon revealed a big change on the offensive line.

Last year’s No. 6 overall pick Paris Johnson Jr. will be moving to the left tackle spot after playing right tackle his rookie season. Meanwhile, newcomer Jonah Williams, who the team signed to a two-year, $30 million deal in March, will take over at right tackle.

Gannon said Paris Johnson is going to move to the left side at tackle and Jonah Williams will play right side.#AZCardinals

— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) May 20, 2024

Both players have proven they could play both positions on their previous teams: Johnson at Ohio State and Williams with the Cincinnati Bengals.

“Paris obviously playing both, Jonah playing both, but we’ll start there and see how it goes,” Gannon said. “That’s what they both feel comfortable with right now.”

The 6-foot-6, 313-pound Johnson will be taking over the left tackle spot held by longtime OT D.J. Humphries, who was released right before the team signed Williams. Johnson played every snap at right tackle last season after finishing his career at Ohio State playing left tackle.

Williams, who was drafted 11th overall by the Bengals in 2019 out of Alabama, requested a trade last March after the Bengals acquired LT Orlando Brown Jr., the position he had been playing. However, the 6-foot-5, 313-pound Williams ultimately ended up staying another year and switched right tackle.

His move to the right allowed him to set career-best marks in pressure rate allowed, 1-on-1 pressure rate, sack rate and average time to pressure, according to Next Gen Stats (via azcardinals.com).

Beginning his career with some injury troubles early on, the 26-year-old Williams played in all but two games in the past three seasons. Meanwhile, the 22-year-old Johnson played all 17 games for the Cardinals his rookie year.

The other positions on the team’s offensive line that appear to be set right now are Will Hernandez at right guard and Hjalte Froholdt at center. Elijah Wilkinson, Evan Brown, and rookie Isaiah Adams are the main contenders for who will play left guard.