No Extension Imminent Between Cardinals, WR Michael Wilson

2026 marks the final year of Wilson’s rookie contract. Coming off a season with career highs in catches (78), yards (1,006) and touchdowns (seven), he is in line for a considerable raise on an extension. The Cardinals plan on keeping Wilson in the fold beyond the coming campaign, but general manager Monti Ossenfort had an interesting response when asked if he expects a deal to be finalized.

“He’s a guy that we want around here a long time,” Ossenfort said (via ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss). “There’s no question about it. So, I mean, expect, that’s a tough word.”

Wilson has spoken previously about the market for receivers in general and perimeter wideouts in particular. 21 WR contracts currently average at least $25MM per season, and the 26-year-old is no doubt aiming to join at least the lower end of that group in terms of compensation. Wilson has been a full-time starter in each of his Arizona campaigns to date, and his target share has increased with every passing season.

The Cardinals already have tight end Trey McBride attached to a big-money contract. Their receiving corps is among the least expensive in the NFL, though. Marvin Harrison Jr. is also on a rookie pact, while low-cost veterans like Kendrick Bourne and Devin Duvernay round out the top of the depth chart. Harrison will be extension-eligible beginning in 2027, but a multiyear Wilson commitment should be feasible from a financial standpoint.

Of course, it remains to be seen if Wilson will be able to replicate last year’s success operating in new head coach Mike LaFleur‘s offense. A stronger ground game compared to 2025 could also result in fewer targets in his case. Depending on where talks stand approaching Week 1, Arizona may elect to wait on a new contract for the Stanford product.

As Weinfuss notes, Ossenfort’s stance suggests a situation similar to the one involving quarterback Jacoby Brissett could be playing out. Team and player were far apart during negotiations for an extended period before Brissett ultimately agreed to an upgraded 2026 pact. It will be interesting to see if progress can be made on the Wilson front leading up to the start of the regular season.