2024 Cardinals roster preview: WR Xavier Weaver
The Arizona Cardinals will open training camp July 23 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 2023, questions they face and their roster outlook.
Next up is receiver Xavier Weaver.
Background
Weaver was signed as a rookie free agent after he went undrafted. He played for Colorado last season after four years at South Florida.
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In five college seasons, he had 184 receptions for 2,643 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also had three rushing touchdowns in five attempts. He also averaged 13.5 yards on 21 punt returns and he returned two kicks for 19 yards.
2023 stats
He set career highs in 2023, his one season playing for Colorado. He had 68 receptions for 908 yards and four touchdowns. He also had two rushing attempts for 15 yards, scoring touchdowns on both carries.
2024 contract details, cap hit
Weaver signed a three-year, $2.86 million deal. He got $30,000 as a signing bonus. His 2024 salary will be the league minimum for a first-year player — $795,000 that includes $225,000 guaranteed, which equals 18 weeks on a practice squad. His cap hit in 2024 will be $805,000 if he makes the roster.
Questions he faces
Weaver faces regular rookie questions of adjusting to the pro game and has an extra obstacle as an undrafted rookie.
He is listed at 180 pounds on the Arizona roster but his playing weight in college was listed at 170, so he will face questions of durability in the pros.
Can he show enough in the preseason and training camp to earn a spot on the team?
2024 roster outlook
Weaver is clearly part of the Cardinals' plans in 2024 but it is likely on the practice squad. That is why they guaranteed him a salary equal to a practice squad player for the full season.
He is a slight longshot to make the active roster but could make it on if the Cardinals keep six receivers.
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