Xavier Weaver emerging as rising star WR for Arizona Cardinals

This is a team searching for another reliable playmaker to pair with its young wide receiver core. Weaver recently, in the first NFL preseason game for the Cardinals against the Kansas City Chiefs, showed smooth route running, elite body control, and a knack for creating separation. Those traits can translate into any offensive system, especially Offensive Coordinator Drew Petzing’s. Weaver ended up with two receptions for 14 yards and a touchdown in the Cardinals’ preseason matchup. Cardinals General Manager Monti Ossenfort believes that Weaver has a chance to make a big jump this next season.

Xavier Weaver’s path to the Arizona Cardinals:

Weaver’s journey here wasn’t the straight line of a first-round pick. He carved his name at the University of South Florida, then came his final college chapter at Colorado, where he became one of Quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ go-to target. In 2023, Weaver ended up with 68 catches for 908 yards and six total touchdowns, showing he could stretch the field and burn defenses for chunk plays.

Right now, Cardinals fans are looking at an offense that needs new blood to keep defenses honest. Weaver fits that bill perfectly. If Arizona can develop him the right way, they could have a cost-controlled, homegrown wide receiver who can help take over games without the front office spending big free-agent money. If Xavier Weaver hits his stride in Arizona, he might just be one of the next big things to wear Cardinals red.