The Arizona Cardinals are reportedly considering a long-term contract extension for wide receiver Michael Wilson as the team looks to build around key offensive players. This development was revealed by general manager Monti Ossenfort during the NFL scouting combine on Tuesday. Wilson, entering the final year of his four-year, $5.34 million deal signed in May 2023, impressed the organization with his performance last season.
Ossenfort emphasized Wilson’s value to the team, stating,
“Michael is about everything we want in our program to be about, and hopefully he is here for a long time.”
At 26 years old, Wilson delivered a career-best season in 2025, setting personal records in receptions (78), targets (126), receiving yards (1,006), and touchdowns (seven) over 17 games. Though he had a slow start with just eight catches for 52 yards and one touchdown in the first five games, Wilson emerged as a dominant offensive force as the season progressed. His expanded role in the passing game is evident, bolstering his value in both real and fantasy football formats. However, with quarterback uncertainty persisting in Arizona, maintaining consistent production remains a challenge as Wilson aims for another 1,000-yard season.
Quarterback Situation Fuels Uncertainty for Arizona’s Offense
The quarterback position in Arizona remains a significant question mark, impacting the outlook for players like Wilson. Kyler Murray’s future with the Cardinals is in flux following his limited participation in the 2025 season due to a foot injury. While general manager Monti Ossenfort claims daily discussions about Murray’s status are ongoing, sources suggest no contact has occurred between the two since the season ended.
Ossenfort further remarked,
“all options are on the table for us,”
when referring to Murray’s future. Veteran backup Jacoby Brissett, who performed admirably when stepping in, maintains a contract and could factor into the team’s plans. The prevailing expectation is that the Cardinals will attempt to trade Murray within the coming weeks to reshape their roster and scheme under new leadership.
The lack of clarity at quarterback affects the offense’s rhythm. Although Jacoby Brissett showed improvement over Murray in 2025 and threw for a career-best 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, the organization appears to be exploring trade options for him as well. Speculation includes interest from the New York Jets, who may pursue Brissett to strengthen their quarterback room.
Wide Receiver Michael Wilson’s Rising Profile Amid Offensive Changes
Michael Wilson’s breakthrough season coincided with Arizona’s mid-season switch from Murray to Brissett under center, coupled with notable injuries in the running back group that led to a pass-heavy offensive approach. This environment allowed Wilson’s skills to flourish, earning him recognition as a key receiving weapon.
Despite a coaching overhaul with former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur taking charge, the Cardinals’ changes at quarterback and overall strategy bring some risk to Wilson replicating his stellar 2025 results. Nevertheless, his production cannot be overlooked, and fantasy football enthusiasts are increasingly valuing him in dynasty leagues thanks to his demonstrated potential and expanding role.
Running Back Emari Demercado’s Diminishing Role After Disappointing Season
Running back Emari Demercado experienced a decline in his fantasy value following an underwhelming 2025 campaign. In 13 games, Demercado totaled 413 yards from scrimmage and scored one touchdown on 57 touches. Initially positioned as the third running back behind James Conner and Trey Benson, injuries to both players opened opportunities that Demercado failed to capitalize on, splitting carries with Michael Carter and Bam Knight instead of emerging as a lead back.
Demercado is set to become a restricted free agent with no guarantees of returning to the Cardinals, who might view him more as a complementary part rather than a primary offensive contributor. The prospect of Benson returning healthy and potential additions through free agency or the draft further cloud Demercado’s outlook. His reduced role diminishes his appeal in dynasty formats going forward.
Indecision Surrounds Kyler Murray’s Position with the Team
The organization has refrained from setting a timetable regarding Kyler Murray’s future, as stated by head coach Mike LaFleur. He remarked,
“Just like everything else on our roster, just open conversations right now throughout this building. No time frame on that.”
Trade rumors persist, fueled by Murray’s injury-shortened 2025 season with only five games played and offensive stats reflecting moderate efficiency: a 68.3% completion rate for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions. His value in dynasty football leagues has plummeted despite his strong reputation as a former first overall draft pick in 2019. With the Cardinals aiming for a rebuild, an exit for Murray seems likely, potentially benefiting both the quarterback and the team should another opportunity arise.
James Conner’s Future Clouded by Injury and Salary Cap Considerations
Running back James Conner faces uncertainty entering 2026, as questions surrounding his age and health have surfaced. After a 2025 season cut short by a severe ankle injury sustained in Week 3, Conner, who will turn 31 in May, remains under contract through 2026. However, releasing him could save the Cardinals about $8 million in salary cap space, despite incurring a $2.25 million dead cap hit.
Conner’s declining fantasy value mirrors concerns about his ability to return to the form he showed earlier in his tenure with Arizona, where he had two 1,000-yard seasons before injury setbacks. The Cardinals may prefer to allocate resources toward younger running backs or new acquisitions, signaling a potential shift in their backfield composition.
Emerging Stars and Shifting Fantasy Values in the Cardinals’ Roster
Aside from Wilson, other offensive players are experiencing fluctuating trajectories. Marvin Harrison Jr., once considered a surefire superstar entering the 2024 draft, has seen his fantasy value diminish following a 2025 season marred by injuries and inconsistent play. He recorded 41 receptions for 608 yards and four touchdowns over 12 games but faced an unstable situation due to the quarterback and coaching changes.
On a high note, tight end Trey McBride enjoyed a dominant 2025 campaign with 126 catches for 1,239 yards and 11 touchdowns in 17 games, earning first-team All-Pro honors. McBride ranked as the top scoring tight end in fantasy football, demonstrating consistent productivity despite the quarterback turbulence. With his age and skill set, he projects as a premier fantasy tight end for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion: Building Around Wilson While Navigating Transition
The Arizona Cardinals’ interest in a long-term contract extension for Michael Wilson signifies their commitment to building a stable offensive core, even amid uncertainties at quarterback and other positions. Wilson’s emergence as a reliable target is a rare piece of continuity as the team undergoes coaching changes and roster evaluations.
How the quarterback situation evolves—whether through trades involving Kyler Murray or Jacoby Brissett—will heavily influence Wilson’s prospects, as well as the overall offensive efficiency. Meanwhile, running backs like James Conner and Emari Demercado face uphill battles to maintain their roles amid health concerns and cap strategies.
Moving forward, the Cardinals’ decisions in free agency, the draft, and internal development will shape whether Wilson and the offense at large can build on the progress shown last season. Their approach to extending Wilson’s contract could serve as a foundational step toward long-term success in a phase marked by transition and potential revitalization.
