WR · ARI
general
Michael Wilson: I wanted to stay in Arizona to be a centerpiece of turnaround
Cardinals WR Michael Wilson signs extension through 2029, solidifying his role as a cornerstone of the franchise’s rebuild
Michael Wilson
WR · ARI · 26 yrs · exp 3 · Stanford
Status
- Game status
- Active
Keep Trade Cut (SF TEP)
From latest snapshot · trend vs ~7d prior when data allows.
Value
3,861
Rank
#91
Pos rank
#35
7d trend
—
Value history (90d)
One snapshot point per calendar day (shown in your timezone).
Latest: Sep 7, 2026 · 3,861
News
Stories linked to this player — newest first.
WR · ARI
general
What the media is saying about the Cardinals inking WR Michael Wilson’s extension
Cardinals lock up WR1 Michael Wilson to a new deal, solidifying their top receiving spot
WR · ARI
WR · PHI
general
Michael Wilson to sign massive extension: Why Cards made him one of NFL's top-paid No. 2 WRs
Michael Wilson has parlayed his breakout 2025 season into a life-altering contract extension. On Thursday, Wilson came to terms on a three-year, $75 million extension, according to ESPN . The deal has a maximum value of $78 million and includes $47 million guaranteed. A 2023 third-round pick, the 26-year-old Wilson was entering the final year of his rookie contract this season. Instead of entering a contract year, Wilson has now become one of the NFL's highest-paid No. 2 receivers. He is now tied with DeVonta Smith as the 21st highest-paid receiver in terms of average annual salary. Tee Higgins and George Pickens are the only No. 2 receivers who make more in terms of average annual salary. Wilson's contract extension comes after a 2025 season that saw him set career-highs in receptions (78), receiving yards (1,006) and touchdown receptions (7). Making Wilson's success even more impressive is the fact that he was often the primary focus of opposing defenses. The Cardinals ' decision to pay Wilson now was the right move for several reasons. Wilson's stock rose following his 2025 season, and there was a good chance it would rise again if he was able to duplicate or exceed last year's numbers this season. Instead of paying more or potentially losing him in free agency, the Cardinals chose to take care of Wilson now while keeping him under contract for the foreseeable future. Wilson is an expensive No. 2 receiver, but it's money that was worth spending for the Cardinals. When you're not a preferred landing spot, you often need to spend more for talent. That appears to be the situation here. The Cardinals' best way to get talent is to keep their best homegrown players. Also, by locking in Wilson now, there's a chance that the contract becomes a bargain. Wilson is just entering his prime and could potentially become a No.1 receiver. It's also not a terrible contract as it currently stands. Last season, Wilson outplayed several receivers who make more than him, including Pittsburgh's DK Metcalf , who signed a four-year, $132 million deal shortly after being traded from Seattle. Of course, there's the chance Wilson ends up not panning out, but that's simply the risk of doing business. In this situation, it's a risk the Cardinals are willing to take. Old logic suggests that Wilson's payday means that the Cardinals are planning to potentially part ways with Marvin Harrison Jr . at some point down the road. In today's NFL, however, that logic couldn't be further from the truth. Sure, signing Wilson gives the Cardinals insurance in the event that they decide to part with Harrison, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 draft. But it doesn't necessarily mean that's the plan. Locking up Wilson now puts Arizona in a position to possibly extend Harrison next offseason if Harrison has a big year. It should be noted that—barring a big season from Harrison—the Cardinals probably won't be in a hurry to re-sign him as they have the option to franchise tag him for the 2028 season. But re-signing him next offseason is still an option, nonetheless. From a football standpoint, Wilson's extension is likely a very good thing for Harrison. Every successful No. 1 wideout has had a good No. 2 receiver by his side. Jaxon Smith-Njigba has Cooper Kupp , Ja'Marr Chase has Higgins, Puka Nacua has Davante Adams , CeeDee Lamb has Pickens and A.J. Brown had Smith during his time in Philadelphia. Wilson's presence should only benefit Harrison, who is hoping to have a similar breakout season in 2026 after having a rough sophomore season in the desert. Furthermore, it's critical for teams that want to contend for championships to have a strong receiving corps. With the increased importance of the passing game, the need for talent at the receiver position is as high as ever. The Cardinals have several pressing positional needs as they continue their rebuild, but the receiver position isn't one of them
WR · ARI
general
Cardinals shell out big-money extension to breakout wide receiver
After a breakout season for the Cardinals, Michael Wilson landed an extension that will keep him off the free-agent market in 2027
WR · ARI
general
Cardinals, WR Michael Wilson agree to reported 3-year, $75 million extension
With 78 catches for 1,006 yards and 5 touchdowns last season, Wilson moved ahead of former first-round pick Marvin Harrison Jr. on the Cardinals' receiver depth chart
WR · ARI
general
Cardinals, Michael Wilson agree to three-year extension
The Cardinals have crossed the proverbial goal line and are locking up one of their key young offensive players. According to a joint report from ESPN and NFL Network, receiver Michael Wilson has agreed to a three-year extension with the club. Wilson, a third-round pick in 2023, was entering the last year of his rookie contract. The deal is worth $75 million with a maximum value of $78 million with $47 million guaranteed. Josh Weinfuss of ESPN reported on Wednesday night that there had been “movement” in negotiations and that a deal could happen before the end of the week. Wilson, 26, set career highs last season with 78 receptions, 1,006 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns. In his 46 career games with 38 starts, Wilson has caught 163 passes for 2,119 yards with 14 TDs. The Cardinals will open the 2026 season on the road against the Chargers on Sept. 13
WR · ARI
general
Report: Cardinals have "movement" in talks with WR Michael Wilson
Cardinals negotiate extension with WR Michael Wilson, signaling confidence in his role
general
One reason for optimism for NFL's bottom dwellers: Youth movements, scheme changes, more
Reasons for optimism among NFL's bottom-dwelling teams, including the Cardinals, Jaguars, and Panthers
WR · ARI
analyst
Michael Wilson: Pair of catches in preseason opener
Wilson brought in both targets for 23 yards in the Cardinals' 27-14 preseason win over the Raiders. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update
WR · ARI
DB · JAX
trade
Trade: Michael Wilson, Travis Hunter, Adam Randall
sleeper-tx-trade+8 stories · 30dSource unavailable
Chicago/MSU League trade — RBs - WE HAVE THE MEATS received: Michael Wilson. Dak Attack received: Adam Randall and Travis Hunter
general
The Cardinals’ rookie who should be getting more attention
The Arizona Cardinals had a very good draft this year. By taking RB Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick, all the tools that incoming head coach Mike LaFleur needs for his new offensive scheme are in place. LaFleur is an offensive coach and had particular requirements going into free agency and April’s draft. RELATED: ESPN RANKS CARDINALS #6 IN OFFENSIVE WEAPONS If you haven’t noticed, the Cardinals are stacked with offensive personnel. ESPN only brought that to everyone’s attention. Now, how will the changes alter the course of this year’s schedule and ultimately the win-loss column? WRs Kendrick Bourne and Devin Duvernay were signed in free agency, while another receiver, Reggie Virgil, was drafted out of Texas Tech. These will be melded with Michael Wilson , Marv Harrison, and Simi Fehoko . Of course, Arizona employs one of the best tight ends in the league with Trey McBride . But LaFleur’s offense needed some vagaries. Alterations. Modifications. Changes. Editor’s note: We had to look up “vagaries.” We just look smart. It all began with the offensive line. It had several issues. Right tackle was a particular problem. So were both offensive guard spots. Later, when LT Paris Johnson became injured, Kelvin Beachum was inserted. Ick. It’s no big secret why he is still unemployed. Both left and right guards were “no good.” Will Hernandez was supposed to start at right guard after returning to the roster, but he began the season on the PUP list as he got back to playing shape. Which seemed to be okay, because Isaiah Adams was the darling of the preseason and training camp and appeared to sew up the starting position. The plan was for Adams to be the starter at right guard and Evan Brown to be at the left guard spot until Hernandez was healthy, and then get him on the practice field and see where he was at physically. Adams started in Week 1. But it soon became clear that Adams played really well against other teams’ second and third string guys, but struggled when the big boys suited up. He was bull rushed easily and had an issue remaining engaged with his defender. It was just a few short seasons ago that Brown was an asset to the O-Line. But this past season, early on, he looked overwhelmed, and his on-field performance declined quite a bit. Brown was ranked the 61st-best guard out of 81 eligible players. He had family issues that needed his complete focus, but his play was just sub-par. When Hernandez returned and was ready to play, he supplanted Adams in Week 5, and it was deemed better late than never with the hope that the offensive line could recover. However, his comeback was cut short. He was placed on IR with hip and knee injuries on November 29. Adams was thrown back into the starting right guard position with an opportunity to show what he had learned since the beginning of the year and finish the season in the same role. With both guards playing poorly, Johnson and Williams were out at the tackle spots listed on IR. The offensive line was a combination of second-stringers and practice squad guys. At season’s end, this group was ranked #26. That’s out of 32 for anyone scoring at home. After losing 14 games, it was evident that the head coach and the majority of his coaching staff were headed for the unemployment line. LaFleur and his new OC, Nathaniel Hackett, took a looksy at the offensive line situation and highlighted several changes to be made. Center? Good. Left tackle? Check. Ummm…. Yeah, it was that bad. The offense will only go as far as the offensive line will take them. That is a known fact. It’s more than just being big. It’s greater than being a stud in college football. The NFL is a completely different level, and offensive linemen take a while to grow into their positions. Defensive tackles are bigger and, over time, develop girth. Defensive ends are quicker with a great first step. In college, some of these guys saw maybe three defenders that they struggled with. In the NFL, t [... truncated ...]
WR · ARI
trade
Trade: Michael Wilson
sleeper-tx-trade+8 stories · 30dSource unavailable
New Orleans With The Boys trade — Pitung received: Michael Wilson. creece2 received: 2027 2nd round pick (orig Pitung)
general
Pre-Snap Reads 6/29: Zach Charbonnet, others fighting for extensions in 2026
In Today’s Links: who is the more important Seattle Seahawks player between Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba?; watch out for the San Francisco 49ers, reading the tea leaves on who will breakout this season for our beloved squad, and a bit more! Thanks for being here with us. Happy Monday! Sorry for the delay. Go, ‘Hawks! #np Armenia by Michel Portal It’s not a Finals, it’s a Beginnings – Seaside Joe The Seahawks don’t have to choose between Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba , but you can if you want to As Rams get the attention, Seahawks can’t forget about 49ers – Seattle Sports “The Rams are scary on paper. The team that might scare me a little more is the 49ers,” Seattle Sports’ Bob Stelton said. Analysis: Predicting Seahawks 2026 Offensive Breakout Candidates – Emerald City Spectrum Now less than a month from reporting date for training camp, the Seattle Seahawks will soon begin their Super Bowl title defense with sights on hoisting another Lombardi Trophy. 4 Seattle Seahawks Playing For a Contract Extension in 2026 – si.com These four Seattle Seahawks will be playing to earn a new contract with the team in 2026. Episode 503 – Seahawks vs the Offseason Part 2 – Seahawks Nest Podcast Topics Include: Brendan Sorsby , Defensive Ends, Games of the Offseason Arizona Cardinals have two big decisions looming for two of their young players – Revenge of the Birds Contract talks between the Cardinals and Paris Johnson Jr. and Michael Wilson . Brandon Aiyuk takes shots at John Lynch, Kyle Shanahan on YouTube – Niners Nation Aiyuk went on YouTube to air grievances about John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan. October 19th is circled on his calendar. Is Myles Garrett or Trent McDuffie the bigger addition? – Turf Show Times Which player is more important to the success of the 2026 Rams?
general
The Cardinals’ “X” factor on offense, defense, and special teams for 2026
The Arizona Cardinals have expectations of not being one of the league’s worst clubs for a second consecutive year. GM Monti Ossenfort worked overtime this offseason to address the weak spots and bring in new players to replace those who left the team. Training camp is approaching, and the air will be very clear on the final 53-man roster, and who is in and who is out. The focus will then be on which players will fit best at all positions. RELATED: TIME TO THINK ABOUT MICHAEL WILSON There are many good-to-great players on this year’s roster, and still some problem areas. But there is one player on offense and defense, plus special teams, who can change the narrative and perhaps be the difference in games. Here’s the list: While most would point to the quarterback position as being the key component to success this year, the fact is, QB Jacoby Brissett is a roller coaster right now, and the starting position is up for grabs. The running game should be the main focus anyway, with the new guys, Jeremiyah Love and Tyler Allgeier , with a dose of James Conner thrown in. The offensive line is redesigned for the run game, and guys love to run block. This does cut down on the number of passes thrown. But the passing game still needs to be successful and prevalent when called upon. The ideal situation would be for the rushing attack to consume 65%-70% of plays. Whether that becomes true for each game will be determined as the season rolls along. The offense will get back to featuring two tight end sets. That requires two exceptional bodies to man the positions. The passing game needs to be the complement and not the focus. In order to do this, the offense will require qualified pass catchers. WR Michael Wilson had a breakout year last season. What was supposed to happen was that Marvin Harrison would be the darling of the receiver room. After all, name a college football accolade, and Harrison is displaying that award on his father’s fireplace mantel. The player who will be this year’s offensive “X” factor is receiver Michael Wilson. It is realized that the MVP of the offense will once again become TE Trey McBride . Nobody is disputing this. But it is Wilson who will become the juice to get the offense’s motor going. Harrison was supposed to have a couple of Pro Bowls by now, and did have a decent year during his first year in the league. But Harrison didn’t even make the NFL All-Rookie roster, and is having a problem staying healthy. He came to the desert as a huge playmaker, but is his health going to be an issue every season? Wilson was second on the Cardinals in pass receptions last year behind McBride. He had 126 targets with 78 receptions for 1,006 yards and scored seven times. The bonus with Wilson is that he is an outstanding pass catcher with size, but he is also an excellent blocker. A lot of receivers act like they are going to get in the way of a defender and only want to catch the ball, but won’t block. But Wilson is able and willing to do the dirty work. There are plenty of candidates for the defensive “X” factor. Both S Budda Baker and EDGE Josh Sweat fit this description probably more than any other players. With the defensive tackle position being a group with a bunch of new names, that unit should be considered solved as far as being able to stop the run. And this may continue all season. Linebacker may be a concern. Is Cody Simon ready to start this year? How will the new guy, Jack Gibbens , find his place? There are high hopes that rookie Karson Sharar will develop sooner rather than later. Can Zaven Collins finally become that All-Pro he was projected to be? The area that needs the most attention, however, is middle linebacker. Mack Wilson is the defensive “X” factor. The reason is that going into training camp, this group is viewed as a strength. Wilson was the team’s leading tackler until he became injured with a rib injury in Week 9. The Cardinals have the luxury of having some really good li [... truncated ...]
general
32 NFL Teams, 32 fantasy football sleepers in 2026
Greetings, Falcoholics! It’s that time of the year again. The 2026 NFL season is quickly approaching, which means it’s fantasy football time. Fantasy owners from around the globe are prepping for their upcoming fantasy league drafts, so I will try to help the best I can. Since 2019, I’ve been predicting top sleepers from each NFL team to help you dominate your fantasy league drafts. You can revisit my picks from 2019 , 2020 , 2021 , 2022 , 2023 , 2024 , and 2025 by clicking the respective years. Before we take a look at this year’s sleeper list, let’s review the criteria. Each player chosen offers significant potential value for your fantasy team, based on points-per-reception (PPR) scoring format. While some names may be familiar, their average draft position (ADP) indicates they offer great value or are someone to keep an eye on. Let’s get started! WR Zay Jones (2025), RB Trey Benson (2024), RB Keaontay Ingram, (2023), WR Rondale Moore (2022), RB Chase Edmonds (2021), WR Andy Isabella (2020), QB Kyler Murray (2019) Cardinals’ receiver Michael Wilson had a breakout last season as Marvin Harrison Jr. dealt with an injury issue. Wilson is expected to play a Z receiver role in the Cardinals offense, similar to what Puka Nucua’s role is with the Los Angeles Rams . Even with a murky quarterback room, Wilson is being drafted around WR40 territory, and he will most likely finish much higher in terms of production. TE Kyle Pitts (2025), QB Kirk Cousins (2024), QB Desmond Ridder (2023), RB Tyler Allgeier (2022), WR Russell Gage (2021), TE Hayden Hurst (2020), TE Austin Hooper (2019) I expect Falcons’ rookie receiver Zachariah Branch to be a solid PPR play, even in year one. Branch excels on screens, quick slants, and short passes that he can turn up field for more yards. There’s obviously some other mouths to feed in the Atlanta offense, but Branch should be able to carve out a solid piece for himself considering where he’s currently expected to go in re-draft leagues, which is near the final rounds of the draft. TE Isaiah Likely (2025), WR Devontez Walker (2024), WR Rashid Bateman (2023), WR Devin Duvernay (2022), WR Rashod Bateman (2021), RB J.K. Dobbins (2020), RB Mark Ingram (2019) Justice Hill’s value is pretty high because he does something that starting running back Derrick Henry doesn’t do a lot, and that is catch passes. Hill is used in a lot of the Ravens’ third down plays and yet he’s someone you can get towards the end of your fantasy draft. If for some reason Henry misses time, Hill is a must-start. RB Ray Davis (2025), WR Keon Coleman (2024), TE Dalton Kincaid (2023), RB James Cook (2022), WR Gabriel Davis (2021), WR John Brown (2020), WR Cole Beasley (2019) The Bills have been trying to secure a top-flight receiver for quarterback Josh Allen for quite some time now. Bell has a real chance to make an impact for the team, as he is expected to surpass Keon Coleman on the depth chart who has largely been a disappointment for the Bills. Even with the addition of veteran D.J. Moore , Bell is someone to look at in upcoming league drafts with the team’s targets literally up for grabs. WR Jalen Coker (2025), QB Bryce Young (2024), TE Hayden Hurst (2023), TE Tommy Tremble (2022), QB Sam Darnold (2021), TE Ian Thomas (2020), WR D.J. Moore 2019) Following back-to-back ACL injuries, Jonathon Brooks is back to competing for touches in Carolina. With Rico Dowdle gone, Brooks has likely his final opportunity to make an impact on the Panthers and push for more of a role. Currently, his ADP is RB40 and if things go according to plan for him, Brooks will finish higher. WR Luther Burden III (2025), QB Caleb Williams (2024), RB Roschon Johnson (2023), QB Justin Fields (2022), WR Darnell Mooney (2021), WR Anthony Miller (2020), WR Allen Robinson (2019) Bears’ running back Kyle Monangai quietly made an impact in Ben Johnson’s offense in 2025, as he gained 5+ yards on 43% of his carries. With D’Andre Swift remaining as the team’ [... truncated ...]
analyst
Trey Benson (ankle) works off to side in mandatory minicamp Tuesday
by Ari Koslow | Cardinals Correspondent | Tue, Jun 9th 10:17pm EDT Trey Benson was working off to the side during mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. ( Theo Mackie on Twitter ) Fantasy Impact: Benson was also working off to the side during OTAs. He'll likely be off the fantasy radar with the Cardinals offseason additions of Jeremiyah Love and Tyler Allgeier. Participation report from Cardinals mandatory minicamp: Didn’t see at all: -RB James Conner -DL Kaleb Proctor Street clothes: -CB Garrett Williams -S Kitan Crawford -TE Tip Reiman -DL Walter Nolen Working on side w/ trainers: -RB Trey Benson -LB Karson Sharar Category: Injury Updates | More Trey Benson : News , Rankings , Projections , Stats
analyst
Can Amon-Ra St. Brown Reach an Even Higher Ceiling?
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has caught at least 115 passes and double-digit touchdowns in each of the past three seasons, never falling below 1,250 receiving yards and finishing as the fantasy WR3 in all three seasons. In 2026, it's possible his ceiling could be even higher under new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. The buzz out of Detroit through OTAs has been around Petzing's ability to bring balance to an offense that became too reliant on explosive plays in 2025. With St. Brown healthy after sitting out this time last year following an offseason knee surgery, he's been one of several Lions players to express excitement about the new direction of the offense. As the coordinator for the Cardinals in 2025, Petzing helped to transform third-year receiver Michael Wilson into a fantasy league-winner in an offense that also saw Trey McBride set the single-season tight end reception record. While former Pro Bowler Sam LaPorta is expected back in the fold after missing eight games in 2025 with a herniated disc in his back, he is no threat to earn a McBride-level of volume, and St. Brown should be the biggest benefactor of an offense designed to exploit the weaknesses of opposing teams. At RotoBaller's dynasty WR6, the 26-year-old St. Brown continues to be undervalued, but he should remain one of the most reliable fantasy contributors in one of the league's most high-powered offenses for the foreseeable future
analyst
Marvin Harrison Jr. Still on the Mend From 2025 Injuries
Arizona Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. is still recovering from injuries that impacted his 2025 season, including appendicitis, two heel injuries, and a concussion. While he anticipates being fully healthy for the upcoming season, his fantasy stock has declined after a disappointing sophomore year. He faces an uphill battle to become a reliable WR1 in a more balanced offense, especially with the emergence of Michael Wilson and Trey McBride
analyst
Marvin Harrison Jr. expected to play role as X-receiver
by Ari Koslow | Cardinals Correspondent | Tue, Jun 2nd 11:44pm EDT Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur said Marvin Harrison Jr. will play the Davante Adams role as the team’s X-receiver. ( Theo Mackie on Twitter ) Fantasy Impact: LaFleur has spent the past three years as the Rams offensive coordinator and figures to bring a lot of what he learned under Sean McVay to the Cardinals offense. This could benefit Harrison's involvement in the red zone the most as we saw from Adams last season in the same spot. Mike LaFleur said Marv will play the Davante Adams role as the X receiver, with Michael Wilson “closer to the core” in the Puka Nacua role as the Z receiver. Also sounds like Kendrick Bourne will see more work in the slot than he has in the past. More Marvin Harrison Jr. : News , Rankings , Projections , Stats
analyst
Michael Wilson expected to play role as Z-receiver
Michael Wilson expected to play Z-receiver role
Data comes from cached Sleeper and KTC snapshots. Values update when the sync jobs run.