PHX Reporter

Sunday proved challenging for Vi Jones. The linebacker had prepared for his walkthrough with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, anticipating suiting up against the Panthers. However, he was informed of his release and that the team hoped to bring him back to the practice squad after clearing waivers. Reflecting on this development, Jones said, "I was thinking, 'Damn, what did I do?'"

The situation quickly shifted when his agent informed him that the Arizona Cardinals claimed him off waivers. Not only did this secure a spot on a 53-man roster but also united him with his older brother Zay Jones. "I texted him in all caps, 'BRO,'" Vi shared.

Zay expressed excitement about playing alongside Vi: "I was ecstatic." The brothers now have a chance to play together in an NFL game with one regular season match remaining. While their long-term future as teammates is uncertain—Vi is under contract for 2025 but Zay is not—they plan to make the most of their time together.

"I had the opportunity to play with my older brother (Cayleb) in high school," Zay noted. He emphasized feeling responsible as an older sibling: "It felt like we were going to school."

Vi entered the league in 2022 as an undrafted rookie and has mostly been part of practice squads since then. Meanwhile, Zay has been recognized as a notable receiver since joining the NFL in 2017.

As news spread within their family, their father Robert Jones—a former NFL linebacker—announced plans for them all to attend Sunday's game against the 49ers.

Whether Vi plays remains uncertain; however, it could signal efforts toward building next year's roster. Despite limited receptions this season, Zay continues contributing on-field.

"The NFL is such a revolving door and business," Zay remarked regarding sudden changes like these within teams' rosters: "When it happened...you can't really believe it."

He hopes they both remain part of Arizona's rising team: "I would be grateful if...both of us could be here."

Vi echoed similar sentiments about retaining his brother: "He for sure is coming back...The Cardinals need them Jones Boys."

In other news from Arizona's Pro Football Writers Association chapter awards ceremony Thursday night:

- Safety Budda Baker and running back James Conner were named co-MVPs.

- Wide receiver Michael Wilson received recognition through winning Steve Schoenfeld Good Guy award due largely because media cooperation/insightfulness throughout season-long coverage processions conducted by journalists covering professional football games played across various venues nationwide over time periods ranging anywhere between weeks/months depending upon schedule constraints imposed upon respective franchises participating therein at any given moment during annual campaign durations typically lasting several months per year beginning each fall until concluding late winter/spring timeframe thereafter accordingly without exception unless otherwise stipulated beforehand explicitly stated clearly upfront prior commencement thereof under normal circumstances prevailing industry-wide standards accepted universally amongst peers operating within same field(s).