Arizona Cardinals second-year linebacker Xavier Thomas could very well make the final 53 man roster when the league deadline hits on Aug 26. Thomas played in 14 games in the 2024 NFL regular season, contributing 2.5 sacks and just 10 total tackles. Cardinals defensive coordinator Nick Rallis wants adamantly to up the intensity of his defense this upcoming season, and apparently Thomas understands the assignment. 

In the 2025 NFL preseason, Thomas already matched his season stat efficiency for the entire duration of 2024. Thomas’ preseason stats include six total tackles and two sacks in just three exhibition matchups. Behind the headship of edge rusher Josh Sweat, Thomas could see himself coming into maturation. Thomas’ renown at the University of Clemson is what gave him an opportunity in the NFL in the first place. Being a fifth-round pick isn’t the most glorious thing to boast about, but if Thomas can hone in on his passion, Rallis can and will find a place for him in the rotation.

The Cardinals list Thomas as the No. 3 edge rusher behind Sweat and rookie Jordan Burch as the strong-side outside linebacker on the team’s depth chart, but he is truly the fifth or sixth outside linebacker. Still, Thomas made his presence felt in the 20-10 win this past weekend versus the Las Vegas Raiders when he pummeled Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell in the first quarter and made a fumble recovery. Thomas has a deployability and versatility that Rallis could definitely use in the scheme of things. Will the Cardinals make room for Thomas on the 53-man roster? We’ll find out soon.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Xavier Thomas might be tailored fit for Nick Ralliss defense