Report: Cardinals attempted contract extension with WR Michael Wilson

Despite efforts from the Arizona Cardinals to sign wide receiver Michael Wilson to a contract extension, the fourth-year target appears headed toward entering the final year of his rookie deal without a new agreement.

The Cardinals have made an attempt to lock up Wilson long-term following a career year, but sources told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that the likeliest outcome is for the 26-year-old to become a key figure in free agency next spring.

While the door hasn’t entirely closed, momentum favors Wilson hitting the open market, despite general manager Monti Ossenfort maintaining significant cap space to maneuver.

A breakout 2025 campaign

Drafted by Arizona in the third round out of Stanford in 2023, Wilson was a steady rotational option in his first two professional seasons, combining for just more than 1,100 yards total.

His trajectory changed sharply in 2025. Serving as a primary perimeter target for quarterback Jacoby Brissett, Wilson put together his first 1,000-yard campaign, finishing with 1,006 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He became one of the team’s most reliable offensive weapons on late downs.

Resetting the receiver market

The modern wide receiver market has surged over recent offseasons, setting high benchmarks for wideouts coming off big contract years.

Indianapolis Colts wideout Alec Pierce, who posted similar output through his first contract, recently signed a four-year, $114 million contract extension, carrying an average annual value of $28.5 million per year.

That payday offers a clear benchmark for starting wideouts on their second contracts and creates a high bar for team and player to bridge during negotiations.

For now, the Cardinals risk seeing one of their premier homegrown offensive talents walk into free agency next March if the two sides cannot close the gap.

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