Pro Football Rumors
The 2026 offseason marks the first in which Michael Wilson can sign an extension. The Cardinals wideout profiles as a logical candidate for a long-term commitment, one he previously mentioned will not be a concern over the summer.
That stance will of course be helped by productive negotiations on a new deal. Wilson recently noted (via ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss) extension talks are “going great,” an indication he could have a multiyear pact in hand by Week 1. Coming off a career year, Wilson is in line for a notable raise.
“I think if you look at the market and guys who have eclipsed 1,000 yards who are outside players, what those guys are getting paid and where that puts you amongst receivers, I think the market speaks for itself,” the 26-year-old said. “And I think outside receivers who have gotten 1,000 yards, they’re being compensated what the market dictates.”
A clear top group of receivers has indeed emerged from a financial standpoint over recent years. Discounting Brandon Aiyuk – who remains likely to be released at some point this summer – there are currently 10 wideouts attached to an average annual value of $30MM or more. The most recent addition to that list was Drake London, who like Wilson primarily operates as a perimeter (rather than slot) receiver.
London’s new Falcons deal averages over $35MM per year, good for the third-highest mark at the position. Wilson’s resume is much thinner, and he eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark with six yards to spare in 2025. The Stanford product will not be expected to approach the top of the WR market if an extension gets finalized this summer. Nevertheless, a long-term deal would bring about an increase in earnings while confirming his status as a core offensive figure around fellow receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., tight end Trey McBride and rookie running back Jeremiyah Love.
McBride inked an extension last offseason which made him the NFL’s highest-paid tight end at the time. Wilson will not be in position to reset the market in a similar fashion, but he could very well outpace McBride’s $19MM AAV if the Cards project him to continue developing and managing to produce despite unenviable quarterback play. In any case, Wilson is aiming to spend his entire career with the team that drafted him.
“I’m an Arizona resident, my license is in Arizona, I absolutely love the state of Arizona, without the Cardinals organization,” the former third-rounder added. “This is a state where I could see myself living for the rest of my life, like even if I don’t re-sign with the Cardinals… I also do love the Cardinals organization and I truly do want to be one of those guys that plays for one organization their whole career. That is a goal of mine.”
With Harrison still attached to his rookie deal, the Cardinals do not have any receivers averaging eight figures per season as things stand. Wilson could soon change that if progress at the negotiating table continues...
