As the Arizona Cardinals prepare for their training camp starting on July 22, 2025, the focus shifts to the roster composition and player roles ahead of the upcoming season. Among the players under scrutiny is wide receiver Zay Jones, who is entering his ninth NFL season and his second with the Cardinals.
Jones was drafted in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills and spent two and a half seasons with the team. His career took him to the Oakland Raiders in 2019, followed by a stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he had a breakout year in 2022, recording 82 receptions for 823 yards and five touchdowns. However, his 2023 season was marred by injuries, resulting in limited production.
After being released in April 2024, Jones signed with the Cardinals last offseason but faced challenges, including a five-game suspension linked to an off-field incident. He returned to play in 11 games but only managed to catch eight passes for 84 yards. Despite these struggles, Jones saw increased playing time as the season progressed, particularly as the team’s No. 3 receiver.
In terms of financial commitments, Jones re-signed with the Cardinals on a one-year, $2.4 million contract this offseason. The deal includes a signing bonus of $650,000 and guarantees $650,000 of his $1.36 million salary. He has the potential to earn an additional $340,000 in per-game roster bonuses, with a cap hit of $2.28 million for the upcoming season.
Jones’s future with the Cardinals raises questions among fans, particularly regarding his re-signing after a season of limited impact. Despite catching only eight passes last year, his increased playing time and the positive remarks from head coach Jonathan Gannon suggest that he remains a contender for a roster spot. The guarantees in his contract also indicate that the team is willing to give him another chance to prove his worth.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Zay Jones to see if he can bounce back from a difficult season and secure his position on the roster. His performance during the camp will be crucial in determining his role in the Cardinals’ offensive strategy for the 2025 season. For the latest updates on the Cardinals and NFL coverage, fans can tune into the Rise Up, See Red podcast featuring insights from Cards Wire analysts like Jess Root.
