GLENDALE - The Arizona Cardinals are making waves this offseason, with one major focus: securing a contract extension for wide receiver Michael Wilson. At 26, Wilson is coming off a remarkable second half of the season, racking up 775 receiving yards and six touchdowns over the final eight games. This surge came after a quieter start, where he only managed 226 yards in the first nine games, but he found his rhythm just when the team needed it most.
Wilson, originally a third-round pick, had a modest start to his career with just over 500 receiving yards in his first two seasons. However, his breakout 2025 season has put him in line for a significant payday, presenting a financial puzzle for the Cardinals.
Let's break down Wilson's impressive 2025 stats:
- 1,006 receiving yards - 18th in the NFL
- 78 receptions - Tied for 19th
- 126 targets - 12th
- Seven touchdowns - Tied for 16th
- 51 first downs - 11th
These numbers firmly place Wilson among the top 20 wide receivers in the league. For context, the 20th-highest paid receiver, Davante Adams, earns $22 million annually. While Wilson is eight years younger than Adams, the Cardinals face a dilemma: do they commit big money after just one standout year?
General Manager Monti Ossenfort previously made headlines by signing tight end Trey McBride to a lucrative $76 million deal over four years. Will he take a similar approach with Wilson?
It seems unlikely, but Wilson's camp will likely draw comparisons to Houston Texans' Nico Collins. Collins had a similar trajectory, breaking out in his third year with 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns, which earned him a three-year, $72.75 million extension.
Collins' contract proved wise, as he continued to deliver 1,000-yard seasons. The Cardinals find themselves in a similar position, eager to retain Wilson long-term.
Negotiations may start at Collins’ $72.75 million, but Arizona might aim for a deal closer to $19-20 million annually. A compromise around $22 million could be fair for both parties.
With the quarterback position still in flux, the Cardinals have found stability in new head coach Mike LaFleur. Securing Wilson as their WR1, alongside one of the league's top tight ends, could set the foundation for a formidable offense moving forward.