Arizona Cardinals training camp roster preview: CB Max Melton

Jess Root, Cardinals WireFri, Jul 17, 2026·2 min read

The Arizona Cardinals report to training camp on July 22 and begin the process of preparing for the regular season, forming the roster and determining starting jobs and roles on the team.

Leading up to the start of camp, we will take a look at every player on the offseason roster, their background, their contract, their play in 2025, questions they face and their roster outlook.

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

Here is cornerback Max Melton.

Max Melton background, 2025 season

Melton is entering his third season in the NFL, all with the Cardinals. They drafted him in the second round in 2024 out of Rutgers.

After playing in every game as a rookie and starting three times, he missed seven games due to injury in 2025. He appeared in 10 games, started eight and had 31 total tackles, one tackle for loss and five pass breakups.

Partially because of injuries and partially because of the play of rookie Denzel Burke, Melton saw his role diminish until he did not play a single defensive snap in his last healthy game.

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

Max Melton contract details, salary cap hit

Melton is in the third year of his four-year deal worth almost $8.9 million. He will receive a fully guaranteed salary of more than $1.6 million and will count more than $2.4 million against the salary cap.

Roster outlook, questions he faces

Melton should be a lock for the roster, and he is battling for a defensive role. His guaranteed salary suggest he will make the roster, but the battle between him, Star Thomas and Burke for the starting role opposite Will Johnson will be one of the key training camp battles.

Melton is also a potential trade candidate. If he can't crack the lineup, his age and athleticism will warrant something in the trade market.

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple Podcasts.

1 / 10

NFL Top 100: Players 70-61 in 2026

NFL Top 100: 5 connections to Arizona Cardinals in Players 70-61

This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals training camp roster preview: CB Max Melton