The Kyler Murray-Zay Jones connection continues to grow with training camp end nearing

The Kyler Murray-Zay Jones connection, Tejhaun Palmer's deep-ball abilities and the OLBs rotation headlined Day 11 of Cardinals training camp.

BY TYLER DRAKE

Aug 6, 2025, 6:05 PM Updated: Aug 7, 2025, 11:53 am

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GLENDALE — The communication and trust between quarterback Kyler Murray and wide receiver Zay Jones have reached another level this offseason and training camp.

There are two massive reasons why the two continue to link up more than they ever have in their tenure together.

“The trust is there. … He believes I can make the play and that’s been huge for me.”

The connection between Cardinals WR Zay Jones and QB Kyler Murray continues to grow this training camp. pic.twitter.com/7KjolDrM9D

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) August 5, 2025

“I think that’s really huge for any receiver that plays a game at any level,” Jones said Tuesday. “The trust that you have with your quarterback is a big piece. When he looks at me, he understands what he’s going to get. He believes I can make the play and that’s been huge for me.”

Wednesday’s action, which marked the final open camp practice of the year, was just another example of the duo’s growing relationship.

Again, Jones felt like a go-to option for Murray during both 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 work.

Kyler Murray and Zay Jones continue to link up during Cardinals training camp. This might be their best connection yet.

Also, that’s a catch. pic.twitter.com/qOANZSpLZn

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) August 6, 2025

It’s been a productive camp for the veteran pass catcher, who has done more than enough to earn the WR3 role behind Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson.

Jones has also done a lot of moving around, filling in as a WR1 and WR2 with both Harrison and Wilson dealing with their respective injuries.

A lot of talk late last season and into the offseason was about getting more out of Jones in 2025.

Right now, it’s certainly trending that way.

Michael Wilson back practicing

Speaking of Wilson, the wideout was back on the field, albeit in a yellow non-contact jersey, after being placed in concussion protocol last week.

Michael Wilson back practicing in the yellow non-contact jersey. pic.twitter.com/0D47pkeGwm

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) August 6, 2025

The wide receiver took part in individual work but sat out during team periods.

Seeing him back on the field is a good sign that he’s trending toward a return sooner than later.

The same might not be the case for offensive lineman Jon Gaines II, though.

The lineman, who is dealing with a thumb injury, was seen with his right hand in a cast. He did not participate during Wednesday’s work.

Wide receiver Simi Fehoko (quad) was also sidelined.

Tejhaun Palmer reeling in the deep balls

The Cardinals’ starting wide receivers appeared locked in behind Marvin Harrison Jr., Wilson and Jones.

The battles at the position don’t stop there, though, with the backend of the depth chart still up in the air.

Or is it?

Back-to-back days of Jacoby Brissett and Tejhaun Palmer connecting on the deep ball. pic.twitter.com/FAoC2YifBg

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) August 6, 2025

Connecting with quarterback Jacoby Brissett on deep balls in back-to-back practices, Tejhaun Palmer has slid in as the leader in the clubhouse to round out the room.

Hit on a couple more of those deep balls this preseason and that roster spot will be his.

Xavier Thomas gets an extended look

With Josh Sweat sticking to mainly individual work on Wednesday, Xavier Thomas got some added run with the first-team defense.

He, Jordan Burch, Zaven Collins and Baron Browning were the primary players rotating in on the edge.

In addition to getting more first-team snaps, Thomas also flashed his abilities during 1-on-1 work.

Cardinals pass rusher Xavier Thomas with the spin move during 1-on-1 work on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/4rcDugadNX

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) August 6, 2025

Now, it’s about doing it on a consistent basis this preseason.

You good, Calais?

There’s no denying Calais Campbell is up there in age (from a football standpoint).

Cardinals rookie cornerback Will Johnson makes sure to remind him of that on a daily basis.

“I feel like every time I’m breathing hard, he always comes up to me like, “You good?'” Campbell said Wednesday. “I just tell him I’m just trying to get in shape and push myself in practice so the game ain’t too hard.

“You could have came out any other time when I was good, but you come out there after like a five- or six-play drive and I’m hustling to the ball. It’s pretty funny, though. It’s like a running joke now.”

Tyler Drake Cardinals reporter and ArizonaSports.com editor

Born and raised in Kelseyville, California, I spent most of my summers growing up in Arizona. There were a lot of trips to Globe and the East Valley. Once out of high school, I attended the University of Arizona with a major in natural resources… Read more

Comments

B Fan 12 months ago

Some will probably disagree, though to me Zay and or that #3 WR spot is so crucial to our overall success..

If Zay produces stats that he is capable of, it will really signify team success in general.. It’s unusual for a #3 to have a good year, and not the team.. Their success almost always go hand in hand..
AJG in 2021
Roberts 2013
J Brown 2014 and 2015
Breaston 2008 2009
B Johnson 2007

It’s obviously it’s not a guarantee.. Though more often than not, that number 3 does well, the team will as well

B Fan 12 months ago

Same here.. I really like what Zay brings
I also like Dortch, but are really not comparable.. Dortch is that quick out slot type..Where ZJ can stretch the field, high point and get up for that ball..

Former 2nd round pick by the Bills, and has gotten some opportunity, but has dealt with injuries and some drops.. Though when looking at his 5 best seasons, only one was did not result in a winning record.. And this was 2018 when Josh Allen was a rook..

I firmly believe, Jones puts up 500plus yards with a few scores, the team will also posses a winning record..

And you bring up a very good point bro, the trust.. ESPECIALLY when gauging Murray’s QB rating when targeting a specific player.. For example Ertz in 2023.. It was bad, 60.9 in fact vs 98.2 the year prior.. Hence cutting him..

Same with Hollywood, across his 2 years and 26 games, Murray’s Qube rating when throwing to him was also bad at 68.4..

This is from 2024, and Murrays QB Rating when they are targeted..
McB - 99.2
Higgins - 124.3
Marv - 87.0
Wilson - 90.6
Dortch - 112.4
Conner- 88.9(unusual drops)

That’s an average of 101.3 when throwing to these 6.. Jones and his 8 rec doesn’t qualify in my book..But a Qubes rating when throwing to a specific WR, really says a lot..

And it’s the polar opposite for a DB.. Low QB Ratings are really good as was the case for G Will.. QBs had a paltry 70.4 QB rating and just 53% completion percentage when throwing his way..

lol - I’ve never been a math guy, but definitely a stats guy, and my friend, the stats say we took huge steps last year and should be aligned for this year!

AZ Scorp 12 months ago

I am really excited about the Zay connection. He is a Vet and know what he is doing. K1 just needed to trust him

The Kyler Murray-Zay Jones connection continues to grow with training camp end nearing

Michael Wilson back practicing

Tejhaun Palmer reeling in the deep balls

Xavier Thomas gets an extended look

You good, Calais?

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