Eight catches is not what Zay Jones expected.
It wasn't what the Cardinals needed.
But when the veteran wide receiver headed into free agency in March after a statistically rough 2024 season, the Cardinals let him know how much they wanted him back. Truth be told, Jones didn't want to go anywhere anyway.
"Both of you have come into this agreement together," Jones said, before pausing, smiling and saying "I'm making it sound like marriage.
"But you have this commitment for a common goal. That's what makes this team unique for me as opposed to other experiences. No NFL front office pays players they don't need."
During Thursday's practice, it was Jones filling in as the second receiver with Marvin Harrison Jr. sitting out with knee soreness. The Cardinals didn't make any significant change to the wide receiver room in the offseason; Jones' one-year deal – worth a little more than $2 million before incentives – was the move.
Harrison and Michael Wilson will be the top two wideouts. Jones joins Greg Dortch in the second wave. The expectation is that Jones, whose season last year was waylaid in part because of a five-game suspension to start the year, will be more productive.
"He's playing well," coach Jonathan Gannon said. "He's a multiple position guy. He can get open and catch it. Had a little fire in him the other day, going back and forth with a couple of those DBs, which is cool to see.
"I love Zay. I have always thought he was a really good player and I am glad that now he is acclimated and on the same page as the quarterback."
Jones has goals, intangible as they might be. Show improvement. Keep his speed as he gets to the other side of 30. Expand his game so he can adapt to whatever position or role the Cardinals ask.
"Nothing really statistically," Jones said. "I think those come if you do the right things."
Jones has proven in his career he can produce. He had 82 receptions in Jacksonville just three seasons ago. The Cardinals don't need that necessarily, not with Harrison and Pro Bowl tight end Trey McBride.
As Gannon noted, Jones has looked smooth in camp. He has a comfort here. There were teams that reached out with potential deals to go elsewhere. But when Jones considered all parts of the equation – money, opportunity, family (both his son and the fact his brother Vi is a Cardinals linebacker) – returning to Arizona was the choice.
"There was more peace with this decision than I would've had with other places," he said.
The Cardinals were the team that was willing to bring him in despite his issues in Jacksonville (that led to the suspension.) And even though Jones never envisioned eight catches, he looked at the Cardinals' talent and direction and it was appealing to stay.
"It's beautiful to have support from not only your coaches but your peers," Jones said. "It carries a lot of weight."
Take a look at the best images from Week 2 of the 2025 Arizona Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium, presented by Desert Financial
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Trishton Jackson (86) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, August 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (17) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, August 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mykal Walker (43) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, August 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum (68) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek (81) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, August 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum (68) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, August 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (17) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, August 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Denzel Burke (29) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, August 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, August 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell (93) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, August 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Evan Brown (63) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, August 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (17) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Ekow Boye-Doe (35) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, August 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, August 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Xavier Weaver (89) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Cody Simon (50) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Darius Robinson (56) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, August 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
The Arizona Cardinals during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
The Arizona Cardinals during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) and Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas (20) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Tip Reiman (87) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Simi Fehoko (80) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals safety Kitan Crawford (36) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Simi Fehoko (80) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell (93) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight (35), Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (31), Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas (20), Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6), Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) and Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (33) during 2025 Training Camp on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas (20) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Max Melton (16) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Darren Hall (30), Arizona Cardinals cornerback Elijah Jones (28) and Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) and Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins (84) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek (81) and Arizona Cardinals safety Kitan Crawford (36) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (17) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) and Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) and Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither (27) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) and Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins (25) and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Baron Browning (5) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum (68) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Darius Robinson (56) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during 2025 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (17) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins (84) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Baron Browning (5) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek (81) and Arizona Cardinals safety Kitan Crawford (36) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman L.J. Collier (91) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals safety Dadrion "Rabbit" Taylor-Demerson (42) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (17) and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither (27) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Valentin Senn (69) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Patrick Jenkins (90) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Nick Leverett (60) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (17) and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight (35) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Xavier Weaver (89) and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Max Melton (16) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72) and Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Jon Gaines II (59) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Valentin Senn (69) during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
