Feb. 24, 2026, 10:56 p.m. MT

Four Arizona Cardinals are set to get raises in 2026, and it isn’t because of a contract extension. These players have earned league “proven performance” salary escalators.

Players not orginally drafted in the first round can earn fourth-year salary escalators, based on playing time and/or recognition.

The details come from the collective bargaining agreement, via Over the Cap.

How NFL players earn proven performance escalatorsThe Level One PPE is earned if a player participates in a certain percentage of a team’s offensive or defensive snaps in two of his first three seasons, or averages that percentage of offensive or defensive snaps over his entire first three years. For 2nd round picks, the average is 60%, and (as was the same in the 2011 CBA) for 3rd-7th round picks it is 35%.The Level Two PPE is earned if a player participates in at least 55% of a team’s offensive or defensive snaps in all of his first three seasons.The Level Three PPE is earned if a player is selected to a Pro Bowl on the original ballot (not as an alternate) in any of his first three seasons.Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!

A level-one player will make the salary of a restricted free agent original-round tender — about $3.6 million.

A level-two escalator will get the level-one salary, plus $250,000 (about $3.85 million)

A level-three escalator will earn the salary of a second-round restricted free agent tender, more than $5.8 million.

4 Cardinals players earn escalators

Three players earned level-one escalators.

CB Garrett WilliamsDL Dante StillsTE Elijah Higgins

Williams, Stills and Higgins will make about $3.6 million in salary in 2026. Stills and Higgins were scheduled to make the league minimum of $1.145 million.

One player — receiver Michael Wilson — qualified for level 2, so he will make more than $3.85 million in 2026.

Williams will likely start the season on injured reserve. The rest will have their roles again.

Wilson could see a contract extension.

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