UDFA WR Xavier Weaver's contract almost makes him a lock to stay with Cardinals as rookie
May 10, 2024; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Xavier Weaver (30) during rookie minicamp at the teams Tempe Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Arizona Cardinals only signed three rookie free agents after completing a 12-player draft class. One of those three undrafted rookies they signed was receiver Xavier Weaver.
While he will have to battle for a spot on the 53-man roster, some believe he is the most likely undrafted rookie to make the Cardinals' roster.
While it will be hard for him to crack the roster with Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Greg Dortch and Zay Jones as seeming locks. Chris Moore's contract makes him likely to make the team, so Weaver will be in the mix with many, including sixth-round receiver Tejhaun Palmer.
But Weaver's contract, because of its structure, almost guarantees that he will be with the team this season.
Why?
He was given $225,000 in guaranteed salary in 2024 in addition to a $30,000 signing bonus.
The guaranteed money equals 18 weeks of salary for the practice squad.
The Cardinals obvious see him as a guy they would at least like to keep on the practice squad all year.
And by guaranteeing that much salary, it will make it much less likely for another team to claim him off waivers if the Cardinals cut him before the season because that team would have to put him on the active roster and would be on the hook for the $225,000.
He is 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds with good athleticism. At his pro day, he ran the 40 in 4.47 seconds and posted a 37-inch vertical leap and 127-inch broad jump.
In his 2023 season for Colorado, he had 68 receptions for 908 yards and four touchdowns. He led the team in receptions and receiving yards.
Weaver will be a player to watch in training camp and the preseason. He received the most guaranteed money of the undrafted rookies the Cardinals signed.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: UDFA WR Xavier Weaver's contract almost makes him a lock to stay with Cardinals as rookie