Following the conclusion of the 2025 regular season, the 2023 draft class became eligible for contract extensions, bringing wide receiver Michael Wilson and left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. into focus for the Arizona Cardinals. At the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday, Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort acknowledged that while no decisions are finalized, both players are central to the team’s future plans. The possibility of a Michael Wilson contract extension is part of ongoing discussions.
Evaluating Michael Wilson’s Breakout Season
Wilson significantly boosted his performance in 2025, especially after quarterback Jacoby Brissett took over from Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. faced injuries in the latter half of the season. Wilson finished strong with 78 receptions, 1,006 yards, and 7 touchdowns, a sharp rise from his initial five games where he recorded only eight catches for 52 yards and one touchdown. Scheduled to earn around $3.9 million in the final year of his contract in 2026, Wilson’s impact has positioned him as a valuable candidate for a long-term deal.
Ossenfort praised Wilson’s contributions, saying,
“Here is what I would say about Michael. Michael had an outstanding year for us. He’s a great person. He works, he leads, and he produced on the field. Michael is about everything we want in our program to be about, and hopefully he is here for a long time.”
Paris Johnson Jr.’s Contract Outlook and Development
Paris Johnson Jr., a first-round pick unlike Wilson who was taken in the third round, is approaching a different contractual crossroads. The Cardinals must decide by May whether to exercise Johnson’s fifth-year option for the 2027 season—a move that appears likely given his trajectory. Johnson is slated to earn approximately $4.5 million in 2026, with the 2027 option salary projected to reach near $20.5 million.
Ossenfort reflected on Johnson’s progress, stating,
“Paris got through Year 3, going into Year 4, excited where Paris is at, he’s done some really good things and there are some areas I know Paris wants to improve at. That’s the great thing about Paris, he’s focused on that and focused on continuing to ascend. We have some decision points with Paris coming.”
The general manager added,
“Love what Paris brings to the team, on the field, off the field. We want him to be a part of our program for a long time.”
Team Strategy and Upcoming Decisions
Last season, attention centered on tight end Trey McBride’s contract, which was extended in early April ahead of his final deal year. Now, similar focus is on Wilson and Johnson as the Cardinals plot their roster’s long-term foundation. These contract decisions will shape the team’s composition and salary cap planning into the 2027 season and beyond.
With Wilson emerging as a reliable offensive asset and Johnson climbing steadily in performance, the Cardinals aim to secure both players to maintain continuity and growth. These evaluations and extensions will be critical to the team’s ambitions for stability and competitive advancement.
