The Arizona Cardinals are gearing up for the 2025 season with a closer look at their roster, focusing on the promising talents of outside linebacker Xavier Thomas. Selected in the fifth round of the 2024 draft out of Clemson, Thomas has shown potential despite a slow start in his rookie year. In 14 games, he logged 208 defensive snaps, recording 2.5 sacks, four quarterback hits, and a forced fumble. As he enters his second year, expectations are high for his development and impact on a competitive edge-rusher group.

Thomas's contract details reveal a base salary of $960,000 for the current season, with a salary-cap charge of just over a million. The Cardinals are keen on seeing significant growth from him as he contends for a more substantial role within the defensive unit. His performance in camp will be critical to determining his standing on the depth chart and overall impact in 2025.