Why Cardinals and Michael Wilson can’t agree to extension

Wide receiver deals/extensions this offseason:

• Saints – Chris Olave 4yr/$124 million
  • 2025 stats: 16 G 100 catches for 1,163 yards and nine TDs
• Packers – Christian Watson 4yr/$92 million
  •  2025 stats: 10 G 35 catches for 611 yards and six TDs
• Colts – Alec Pierce 4yr/$114 million
  • 2025 stats: 15 G 47 catches 1,003 yards and six TDs

The three contracts are likely the three levels of negotiations between Wilson and the Cardinals. The former third-round pick and his agent are likely looking at a contract similar to New Orleans’ Olave of $30 million AAV. Arizona will want a number similar to Watson, as those stats were similar to Wilson’s numbers before this season. Meanwhile, Pierce numbers last season with the Colts is the closest one of one example each side will get.

Granted, many experts see the Pierce contract as an overpaid, especially with his ankle injury. Ossenfort is in a tough position on whether to follow the erratic market or try to find a middle ground that might lead to Wilson walking in free agency. It’s hard to gauge if Wilson’s 2025 was a fluke, given his first two years being significantly lower statswise.

The closest example of Wilson’s situation is with Houston Texans’ Nico Collins. The 27-year-old was a former third-round pick that failed to record 500 yards in either of his first two seasons. Then, in Year 3, Collins recorded 109 catches for nearly 1300 yards and eight touchdowns. Houston and Collins agreed to a 3-year, $72.8 million deal in the 2024 offseason, which he has responded with two more 1000+ receiving seasons.

Collins’ $24 AAV to Pierce’s $28.5 AAV is likely the range where Wilson’s deal will reach. The question remains on whether the Cardinals will be that team to give him that amount of money.