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Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

BREAKING NEWS: The Arizona Cardinals Released This Starting Cornerback After a Disappointing 2023 Campaign

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Jackson Loschko | Last updated 12/26/23

The Arizona Cardinals are last in the NFC West with a 3-12 record and currently have the second pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Their defense has allowed the second-most points, the sixth-most yards, the twenty-first-most passing yards, the fifth-most passing touchdowns, and have the twenty-second-most interceptions.

Arizona released starting cornerback Marco Wilson today. Here’s what went down in his first three seasons in the NFL.

The Arizona Cardinals drafted him in 2021.

Marco Wilson was drafted in the 4th round, 136th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Wilson appeared in 14 games and started in 13 during his rookie season, recording 48 tackles, four pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. He went 52/74 for 588 yards and six passing touchdowns with a 120.8 passer rating allowed in coverage.

Wilson had a promising second season.

Wilson played much better in his second season. He appeared in 14 games and started in 13, recording 58 tackles, three interceptions, one pick-six, ten pass deflections, and one forced fumble. He went 50/87 for 546 yards and four passing touchdowns with a 77.1 passer rating allowed in coverage.

Wilson has struggled tremendously this season.

Wilson has taken a significant step back in production this season. He has appeared in every game and started in 11, recording 52 tackles and four pass deflections. He went 47/64 for 727 yards and five passing touchdowns with a passer rating of 136.7 allowed in coverage.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon defended Wilson’s performance this season.

“I think just like everybody, it’s never about one guy. I am sure he wants some plays back, but he did some good things earlier in the game. Then I think just as the game went on, there was just a little bit of technique issues for Marco, which he’s got to continue to clean up just like all of our guys. You guys know that’s a hard position and we put them in some hard downs. That’s why the corner position is what it is, but he battles in there, he keeps his head up and he goes to work.”

Arizona’s defensive coordinator wished him well.

Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis reacted to Wilson getting released and wished him well:

“I’ll let (head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort) talk about personnel things, but obviously wish Marco the best going forward. I think he’s a good player.”

What now?

Marco Wilson is still a young cornerback in the NFL and can always get better. He needs to clean up a few things regarding his technique and footwork. His career isn’t over. He will likely join a team’s practice squad and get another opportunity next season.