The Arizona Cardinals haven’t had the kind of season that turns heads in the standings, but they’ve quietly been doing something just as important: figuring out what works, who fits, and which pieces might be worth building around as they look ahead. One of those pieces? Wide receiver Michael Wilson - a name that’s starting to carry a little more weight in the desert.
While the Cardinals have battled through a tough stretch in 2025, Wilson has emerged as a bright spot in an offense that’s had to get creative. Injuries to key starters like Marvin Harrison Jr. and quarterback Kyler Murray have forced the team to shuffle the deck, and Wilson has taken full advantage of the opportunity. He’s stepped up into a bigger role and made it clear he’s not just a fill-in - he’s a legitimate contributor.
Despite working with a backup quarterback for most of the year, Wilson has managed to climb into the top 20 in the NFL in receptions - tied at No. 18, to be exact. That’s no small feat, especially for a receiver who came into the season as more of a depth piece. His consistency and reliability have helped stabilize an offense that’s often had to scrap for rhythm and identity.
Wilson’s breakout moment came in Week 11 against the San Francisco 49ers. With the Cardinals needing someone to take over, Wilson delivered one of the best performances of any wide receiver this season - 15 catches on 18 targets for 185 yards.
That kind of volume doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of trust from the quarterback, precision in route running, and the ability to win one-on-one matchups - all things Wilson has shown he can do at a high level.
As the Cardinals get ready for their Week 16 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, Wilson figures to play a key role once again. Tight end Trey McBride remains the focal point of the passing game, but Wilson and Harrison have settled in as the second and third options in the pecking order. That trio gives Arizona a solid core to work with, especially if Murray returns to full strength.
This week’s game isn’t just another chance to compete - it’s another chance for the Cardinals to evaluate who’s worth investing in for the long haul. And Wilson’s making a strong case. He’s already moved past veterans like Greg Dortch and Zay Jones on the depth chart, and he’s showing the kind of growth you want to see from a young receiver in a tough season.
No one’s pretending this year has gone according to plan for Arizona. But in a season where wins have been hard to come by, finding a player like Michael Wilson stepping into his own is the kind of silver lining that matters. If he can keep the momentum going against Atlanta, it won’t just be a good sign for Week 16 - it’ll be a glimpse of what the Cardinals’ future could look like.