Michael Wilson may be getting closer to a new contract with the Cardinals, even if the bigger question about his future in Arizona is still unresolved.
's Josh Weinfuss reported Wednesday night that there has been “some movement” in Wilson's contract talks with the Cardinals and that an agreement could happen this week. At the same time, Jeremy Fowler noted Wilson is still likely to reach free agency next March, which suggests the sides may be working toward a deal but have not yet bridged every gap.
Why the timing matters
Wilson is entering the final phase of his current team control, so any extension would give the Cardinals more clarity before the season while also shaping his long-term status. Arizona has already made major receiving and offensive investments in Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride, so Wilson's situation is worth watching as the team continues to sort out its roster planning.
The Cardinals drafted Wilson in the third round in 2023 out of Stanford, and his early career has been defined by flashes more than steady volume. Through his first two seasons, he totaled 85 receptions for 1,113 yards and seven touchdowns across a 29-game span. That production was solid, but not enough to fully settle his place in the team's future on its own.
Wilson's best stretch came in 2025
His most convincing run arrived in 2025, when Kyler Murray suffered a season-ending foot injury in early October and Jacoby Brissett took over as the starter in Week 6. Wilson's strongest games came after that change and while Harrison was unavailable.
In Week 11 against the 49ers, Wilson caught 15 of 18 targets for 185 yards. In Week 12 against the Jaguars, he posted 10 catches on 15 targets for 118 yards. Two weeks later against the Rams, he had 11 receptions for 142 yards and two touchdowns. Over that span, Wilson showed the kind of target volume and efficiency that can make a contract discussion more complicated.
For the season, Wilson finished with 75 receptions on 126 targets for 1,113 yards? No, that yardage total belongs to his first two seasons combined. In 2025, he closed with 50 catches for 600 receiving yards, which reinforced the idea that he can be a useful part of the offense when the quarterback play and opportunity are both in his favor.
What the next step could look like
One possible reference point in Wilson's talks is a four-year, $76MM contract with $53MM-plus guaranteed. That kind of structure would signal a meaningful commitment from the Cardinals, but it would not necessarily mean the sides expect him to avoid free agency altogether.
For now, the key takeaway is simple: there is at least some momentum in the talks, and a deal this week is possible. Whether that becomes a true long-term extension or simply a step toward a more complicated offseason decision will likely become clearer soon.
