Running back Kerwynn Williams was one of the players released Saturday as the Cardinals cut their roster to 53.

When training camp started, Bruce Arians talked a lot about the depth the Cardinals had on a roster than numbered 90.

As the Cardinals officially carved it to 53 Saturday, Arians acknowledged "this is the best football team we've had with the Cardinals."

The players released weren't a complete surprise. The biggest name was defensive end Matt Shaughnessy, who had been a key part as linebacker the past two seasons for the Cardinals. But the emergence of Josh Mauro – picked up in November off of waivers – and the overall depth on the defensive line made Shaughnessy and his $1.45 million salary expendable. Veteran nose tackle Alameda Ta'amu was also cut, as the Cards kept undrafted rookie nose tackle Xavier Williams.

After the Matt Barkley trade Friday, it was clear the Cards were moving on from quarterbacks Logan Thomas and Phillip Sims as well. Right now, the Cardinals have kept only three cornerbacks, although that is a position the team is expected to try and address through the waiver wire. Any waiver claims will necessitate another cut.

The Cardinals released 21 total players (list below) and tight end Gerald Christian was placed on injured reserve after hurting his knee in the preseason finale. The team is expected to announce their practice squad of up to 10 players on Sunday.

-- QB Phillip Sims

-- QB Logan Thomas

-- RB Marion Grice (waived-injured, shoulder)

-- RB Robert Hughes

-- RB Paul Lasike

-- RB Kerwynn Williams

-- WR Trevor Harman

-- WR Jaxon Shipley

-- G Jon Halapio

-- G Antoine McClain

-- G Anthony Steen

-- T Cameron Bradfield

-- DE Matt Shaughnessy

-- NT Alameda Ta'amu

-- ILB Gabe Martin

-- CB Cariel Brooks

-- CB Jonte Green

-- CB C.J. Roberts

-- CB Jimmy Legree (waived-injured, calf)

-- S Harold Jones-Quartey

-- S Anthony Walters