Dec 8, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Max Melton (16) against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
GLENDALE – The retention of defensive coordinator Nick Rallis has Arizona Cardinals fans and possibly players in shock. Cornerback Max Melton took to Instagram to post a reel on his story that could be connected to the news of Rallis’ return. The video of a man in clear distress and anger that could be interpretated as the 2nd-year Cardinals cornerback not happy with the news.
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Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Max Melton (16) against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Melton’s Instagram Reel that could be related to Rallis’ return:
Despite the video being posted with not context, the timing and relationship between the two make it quite obvious the meaning. Heading into 2025, injuries to Sean Murphy-Bunting and Starling Thomas V opened the door for Melton to slide into the CB1 role for the defense. Even with it being his sophomore season, Melton looked primed for the opportunity
He played in nine of Arizona’s first 11 games, but suffered a heel injury that put him out for a few weeks. Melton was prepared to make his return in Week 17 vs. the Cincinnati Bengals and finished out the season strong, but Rallis had other plans.
Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator, Nick Rallis walks the sidelines as they play against the Las Vegas Raiders at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Aug. 23, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
In the Melton’s first eight games of the season, he played 14 special teams snaps, which made Week 12 odd when the 23-year-old played 10 snaps. A heal injury made him miss the next four games, meaning the special teams snaps could’ve been a fluke.
However, vs. the Bengals, Melton played 17 special teams snaps and zero defensive snaps. The perceived CB1 played a minimum of 50 snaps when healthy, reaching 95+% of total defensive snaps. It would appear that something must’ve happen to have Melton lose his starting role.
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Max Melton (16) against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Pro Football Focus did have Max Melton at a 45.1 overall grade last season, ranking 111th out of 114th eligible cornerbacks. Regardless, the amount of injuries on the roster, Melton was at minimum a healthy body to put out there and will be a part of next year’s roster because of his young age. While the video could be unrelated, it wouldn’t be shocking if the young defensive back has his reservations against Rallis.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
