Former KC Chiefs defensive lineman Xavier Williams returns to Arizona

Sometimes a professional homecoming proves to be the best move a player can make to further his career, and veteran defensive lineman Xavier Williams is hoping that proves true as he returns to the desert to play for the Arizona Cardinals in a signing announced on Monday.

To make room for Williams, the Cardinals released journeyman outside linebacker Shareef Miller.

Williams first entered the NFL with the Cardinals as an undrafted free agent back in 2015 after starring at Northern Iowa during his collegiate career. Williams earned minimal playing time during his rookie year, but it was a major accomplishment that he made the active roster at all. From there, he climbed the depth chart to become a solid rotational player in year three for the Cards.

Xavier Williams has returned to the Arizona Cardinals in free agency.

At that point, the Chiefs showed interest as Williams hit restricted free agency and the Cardinals declined to match the offer sheet given by Kansas City. It was a homecoming at the time as Williams was originally a native of the area and went to high school at Grandview.

Williams played in all 16 games his first season for K.C., but his ceiling became apparent after that year and his playing time dropped during the Chiefs’ title run in 2019. To his credit, an ankle sprain also contributed to the frustrating season.

The Chiefs let him walk in free agency last spring, but Williams was forced to wait until shortly before the season began when the Patriots offered him a contract in late August. From there, he was waived shortly after the regular season began and the Cincinnati Bengals came calling with a place to call home for the rest of the season. Williams had 22 tackles and 1 sacks for Cincy in 11 games played.