Dec 28, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) runs during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
GLENDALE – One of the Arizona Cardinals top priority this offseason is to get a contract extension with wide receiver Michael Wilson inked out. The 26-year-old had one of the best second half a wide receiver has had in recent memories, recording 775 receiving yards and six touchdowns in the final eights games of season. Before that stretch, Wilson has a measly 226 yards in the first nine games but started to find his stride in a major way.
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!
In his first two years, the former third-round pick put just over 500 receiving yards and looked to be just a average WR2 in the NFL. However, Wilson’s 2025 season earned him a big payday, which could get expensive for Arizona.
Jan 4, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) makes a touchdown catch against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Wilson 2025 stats and NFL ranked:
1,006 receiving yards – 18th
78 receptions – T-19th
126 targets – 12th
seven touchdowns – T-16th
51 first downs – T-11th
Arizona Cardinals receiver Michael Wilson (14) signals a first down after his catch against the Jacksonville Jaguars at State Farm Stadium on Nov. 23, 2025.
The third-year Cardinals wide receiver’s number show he is a undoubtably top-20 at his position. The 20th-highest paid wide receiver is Davante Adams at $22 million a year. Wilson is eight years younger than Adams, but with only one great year under his belt, there is a level of uncertainty for the franchise to hand out that type of money.
General manager Monti Ossenfort made tight end Trey McBride the 2nd-highest player at his position at $76 million over the next four years. Will Ossenfort hand out a similar number to Wilson? The answer is likely no, but Wilson’s agent will use Houston Texans WR Nico Collins’ contract as an example.
In Collins’ first two years, he had 927 combined receiving yards but had a breakout third season recording 1,297 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Following his third year, Collins signed a three-year, $72.75 million extension, with $52 million guaranteed.
Dec 14, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) runs for a gain past Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The contract aged well, with Collins recording back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons after his extension. The Cardinals are in a similar spot with their wide receiver having a stellar third year and want to retain him long term. Wilson will probably start at Collins’ $72.75, but Arizona will want to bring that number near $19-20 million. A middle ground with be around Adams’ number of $22 million, which would be a fair number for both sides.
While the quarterback situation isn’t handled, the Cardinals has their new head coach in Mike LaFleur and could secure its WR1 for the future alongside the best tight end in the game.
Cardinals’ Jalen Thompson ranked highly in 2026 free agents ranking
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
