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.

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

How NFL players earn proven performance escalators

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.

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.

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.

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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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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: 4 Arizona Cardinals getting big salary increases in 2026