The Arizona Cardinals’ offense is widely expected to take a major step forward in 2025. PFSN’s Offense+ metric even puts them in the top five. Despite having some elite talent in players like then-rookie Marvin Harrison Jr., they struggled with consistency in 2024.
Analysts anticipate that their strong offensive core will come together in 2025Â and become one of the league’s most high-flying units. However, one former contributor might find himself on the outside looking in as Arizona reshapes its offensive identity.
Can One WR Prove He Still Belongs in Arizona Cardinals’ Revamped Offense?
When the Buffalo Bills drafted Zay Jones in the second round in 2017, they expected him to be a serious weapon for Josh Allen. However, he struggled to make an impact on the team’s offense, and they traded him to the Las Vegas Raiders.
After spending time with a few teams and struggling with injuries in 2023, Jones hoped he would be able to bounce back with the Cardinals. Playing as the number two receiver across from Harrison Jr., Jones appeared in 11 games during the 2024 campaign. He finished with eight receptions for 84 yards.
Now, PFSN’s Jacob Infante has identified Jones as a possible cut candidate heading into the 2025 season.
“Zay Jones factored into the Arizona Cardinals’ offense last year, playing over 30 percent of their offensive snaps from Weeks 10-18. He wasn’t heavily targeted, though, as he finished the year with just eight receptions for 84 yards.
“Granted, Jones won’t be missing time due to a suspension in 2025. But he doesn’t project as a starter going into the season, and he didn’t play a single special-teams snap in 2024. The Cardinals may want to reserve one of their backup wide receiver spots for somebody who can contribute in the third phase.”
Kyler Murray just got back from a bonding trip with a bunch of his Cardinal teammates in LA.
He arranged a similar trip last offseason and once again thoroughly enjoyed their time together.
“It’s like the best part of the year.”@FOX10Phoenix pic.twitter.com/HhpL8hpm5c
— Blake Niemann (@Blakes_Take2) July 19, 2025
What Led to Jones’ Limited Role in 2024?
Jones was suspended by the league for the first five games of the 2024 season, without pay, for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. The suspension was handed down after Jones was arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic battery following an argument with the mother of his child. During their fight, the victim reportedly sustained an injury to her neck because of Jones.
The state’s attorney ultimately dropped the charge against Jones after he spent a night in jail. The NFL, however, conducted its own investigation into the incident and determined that the altercation was serious enough to warrant a suspension for several games.
This suspension limited Jones’ ability to establish chemistry with his new teammates and find his role in the Cardinals’ offensive system early in the season.
Moving forward, the Cardinals are hoping that their offensive veterans can provide leadership and stability to improve their chemistry and ultimately execute more effectively. That includes Kyler Murray, James Conner, and Trey McBride.
Arizona could be a team that sneaks up on people in 2025, performing better than many expect. However, a lot of this will depend on their wide receiver room and how well Harrison Jr. performs in his second season. The Cardinals lack significant depth at the position and need to make the players they keep count.
It will be up to Jones to prove during training camp that he remains an asset worth keeping on the roster.
