After wide receiver Michael Wilson had his breakout year in 2025, surpassing 1,000 yards for the first time, many thought he would get signed to a long-term deal this offseason. He is scheduled to be a free agent in 2027.
So far, there have been no reports of progress in contract talks.
General manager Monti Ossenfort was asked about it. The desire to get a long-term deal done for Wilson is there. But whether one gets done feels less certain.
Should fans expect a contract extension?
"Expect? That's a tough word," Ossenfort said, which certainly dampens the level of inevitability for a contract extension.
Ossenfort doesn't seem to have any doubts about the player, though.
"I think our interest is in keeping him here," Ossenfort said. "Michael's been
a good player for us. He's going to continue to be a good player for us. I know Coach (head coach Mike LaFleur) feels the same way, and we want Michael here for a long time."
Reading between the lines, it is probably a matter of numbers. Wilson's 1,000-yard season and huge games in the second half of last season put him in line with an average salary of more than $20 million per year. The Green Bay Packers signed Christian Watson to an extension worth $23 million per year. He has never even had 650 yards in a season.
LaFleur describes Wilson's role in the Cardinals' offense as similar to what Puka Nacua does for the LA Rams. Now, Wilson and Nacua are not on the same level. Nacua led the NFL with 129 catches.
Wilson doesn't have to settle because of his numbers last year and the potential for this year. If he plays well in 2026, he could probably command at or around $30 million per year as a free agent.
But do the Cardinals want to commit so much money to a guy whose production varied greatly when Marvin Harrison Jr. was on the field?
It took months for the Cardinals to get a deal done with quarterback Jacoby Brissett. It doesn't sound like a new contract for Wilson is imminent.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Michael Wilson contract: GM Monti Ossenfort tempers expectations
