The Arizona Cardinals have already made one important move this offseason by extending starting center Hjalte Froholdt, but the bigger contract question hanging over the team is Michael Wilson. Right now, that situation looks unsettled.
ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano reported that a deal between the Cardinals and Wilson is not expected before the season. Graziano pointed to the market for young receivers and noted, "Free agency is kind to ascending wide receivers; just ask Alec Pierce, who now makes $28.5 million per year with the Colts. Wilson and Washington clearly know this," Graziano said.
He also said Arizona has tried to work out an extension, but the most likely outcome is that Wilson plays Week 1 on the final year of his rookie contract. "The Cardinals have attempted to extend Wilson, who is coming off his first 1,000-yard season as a key target for Jacoby Brissett.
But right now, the likeliest path for Wilson is to enter Week 1 on the final year of his rookie deal. Perhaps the team finds a way to get a deal done, but sources indicate he's likely to be a key free agent."
Wilson’s production has put him in a strong negotiating position. His numbers since entering the league match those of Packers receiver Christian Watson, who signed a four-year, $92 million deal. But Graziano noted that Watson has been Green Bay’s clear WR1 when healthy, while Wilson’s role is less defined with Marvin Harrison Jr. entering 2026.
Spotrac currently pegs Wilson’s value at four years and $73 million.
Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort addressed the situation earlier in training camp and said the team’s extension work has followed different timelines over the past few years. "I think the track record here the last three years is we've done extensions before the season, during the season, after the season. I think as with any negotiation/extension, those things take time, and there's a lot of conversations that go on," Ossenfort told reporters.
"Sometimes the timelines are different, and when those match up, and when those discussions can come to agreement. I don't think there's any hard or fast rule, and I think really they come by a case-by-case basis."
Ossenfort later made clear the Cardinals want Wilson in the building long term. "He's a guy that we want around here a long time.
There's no question about it. Expect?
That's a that's a tough word. I think our interest is in keeping him here.
Michael's been a good player for us. He's going to continue to be a good player for us.
I know Coach Lafleur feels the same way, and we want Michael here for a long time."
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