Cedrick Wilson Jr. Bio
Cedrick Wilson Jr. (born November 20, 1995) is an American professional football wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for the Boise State Broncos, he was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2018 NFL draft and has since built a career as a reliable depth receiver and special teams contributor. Known for his size, sure hands, and ability to work the middle of the field, Wilson has spent time with the Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, and New Orleans Saints before continuing his NFL journey.
Listed at 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) and 197 lb (89 kg), Wilson combines a strong frame with the versatility to line up outside or in the slot. Through the 2025 season, he has recorded 126 receptions for 1,524 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns across his NFL career, numbers that reflect his steady role as a complementary pass catcher rather than a primary target.
Early Life and Background
Cedrick Wilson Jr. was born on November 20, 1995, in Memphis, Tennessee, where he grew up surrounded by football culture. He attended White Station High School in Memphis, where he developed into a multidimensional athlete capable of playing multiple positions on offense.
As a junior at White Station, Wilson was named the starter at quarterback, an unusual role for a future NFL wide receiver. During his senior season, he completed 142 of 239 passes for 1,973 yards, 22 passing touchdowns, and 7 rushing touchdowns. He led his team to the Class 6A semifinals and earned 6A All-State honors, second-team 16-AAA All-District recognition, and the Touchdown Club of Memphis offensive player of the year award. His family ties to the NFL, through his father Cedrick Wilson Sr., gave him an early understanding of the professional game.
Path to American Football
Following high school, Wilson enrolled at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, where he transitioned from quarterback to wide receiver. As a freshman, he posted 629 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns while earning all-conference recognition. The move to the JUCO level allowed him to refine his route running and build the physical profile that would later attract Division I recruiters.
As a sophomore at Coffeyville, Wilson elevated his play with 66 receptions for 1,045 receiving yards, the second-highest single-season total in program history, and 17 touchdowns, the fourth-best mark nationally at the junior college level. He earned second-team Junior College All-American honors before transferring to Boise State University in 2016. At Boise State, he became one of the top wide receivers in the Mountain West Conference, setting the stage for his eventual entry into the NFL.
Cedrick Wilson Jr. Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
Wilson was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round, 208th overall, of the 2018 NFL draft. His rookie season was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve on July 31, 2018, after being diagnosed with a torn labrum in his shoulder. He spent the year recovering and developing within the Cowboys organization.
In 2019, Wilson was released on August 31 after being passed on the depth chart by Devin Smith, only to be signed to the practice squad the next day. He was promoted to the active roster on September 13 to serve as the No. 5 receiver after Tavon Austin was sidelined. Wilson appeared in six games and posted five receptions for 46 yards while contributing as both a kickoff and punt returner before a knee injury ended his season in December.
Dallas Cowboys Breakthrough (2020–2021)
The 2020 season marked Wilson’s first real opportunity to contribute in the Cowboys passing game. He appeared in all 16 games and recorded 17 receptions for 189 yards and two receiving touchdowns, while also completing two passes for 23 yards and a touchdown. In Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson posted his first 100-yard receiving game in the NFL, finishing with five catches for 107 yards and two touchdowns during a 31–38 loss. The following week against the New York Giants, he connected with quarterback Dak Prescott on an 11-yard trick-play touchdown pass in a 37–34 win.
Wilson’s 2021 campaign represented his most productive professional season. Operating as a primary deep-ball threat with teammate Michael Gallup injured for much of the year, he caught a 73-yard touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8 and added 104 yards on seven receptions against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12. His best performance came in the Week 18 finale against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he caught five passes for 119 yards and two touchdowns. He finished 2021 with career highs of 45 receptions for 602 yards and six touchdowns, proving he could produce as a featured downfield option.
Miami Dolphins Era (2022–2023)
On March 17, 2022, Wilson signed a three-year, $22.8 million contract with the Miami Dolphins, where he was expected to complement second-year receiver Jaylen Waddle. His role diminished behind the additions of Tyreek Hill and the emergence of Trent Sherfield, and he finished his first Dolphins season with 12 receptions for 136 yards and 13 punt returns in 15 games without a touchdown.
His contract was restructured in August 2023, creating a void year and making him a free agent in 2024. Wilson showed modest improvement in 2023, finishing fourth on the team with 22 receptions for 296 yards and three touchdowns in 15 contests, though he lost his punt return role when the team signed Braxton Berrios.
New Orleans Saints Era (2024–2025)
Wilson signed a two-year contract with the New Orleans Saints on March 15, 2024. In Week 7 against the Denver Broncos, he caught Jake Haener’s first career touchdown pass. The following season included a notable trick play in Week 15 against the Washington Commanders, when Wilson threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Alvin Kamara. He finished his Saints tenure with 20 receptions for 211 yards and one touchdown across 15 games with four starts.
Wilson was released by the Saints on August 27, 2025, re-signed to the practice squad, waived on September 18, and brought back to the practice squad on September 22, reflecting the constant roster movement along the margins of an NFL roster.
Miami Dolphins Second Stint (2025)
On October 1, 2025, Wilson was signed by the Miami Dolphins off the Saints’ practice squad to bolster receiver depth after Tyreek Hill suffered a season-ending left knee injury. He appeared in 10 games with five starts, recording five receptions for 44 yards, but was not re-signed after the season.
Detroit Lions (2026–Present)
On May 20, 2026, Wilson signed with the Detroit Lions, opening a new chapter in his NFL career and giving him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot in a new offensive system.
Driving Style and Strengths
Wilson’s game is built on physicality, reliable hands, and a strong understanding of leverage. He excels on intermediate and deep routes, using his frame to win contested catches, and has shown comfort executing trick plays, including multiple career touchdown passes. His special teams background as a returner adds value to his roster profile.
Notable Events and Milestones
Wilson’s most memorable NFL moments include his first 100-yard receiving game against the Seattle Seahawks in 2020, his 119-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2021 finale, and his Las Vegas Bowl MVP honor in 2017, when he posted 10 receptions for 221 yards and a touchdown in a 38–28 win over Oregon. His first career touchdown catch as a Saint came from Jake Haener in 2024, and his trick-play touchdown pass to Alvin Kamara highlighted his football intelligence.
Cedrick Wilson Jr. Career Wins
Across his NFL career, Cedrick Wilson Jr. has produced steadily as a complementary pass catcher and special teams contributor. While he has not been a primary featured receiver, he has delivered key performances in big games and on trick plays, earning a reputation as a reliable depth piece.
NFL Highlights
Wilson’s NFL win totals include notable performances in regular-season play for the Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, and New Orleans Saints. He scored his first two NFL touchdowns in the same game against the Seattle Seahawks in 2020, posted career highs in 2021, and continued to contribute in short stints with Miami and New Orleans.
Other Wins & Performances
At the college level, Wilson earned First-team All-Mountain West honors in 2017 and was named Las Vegas Bowl MVP after leading Boise State past Oregon with 10 catches for 221 yards and a touchdown.
Cedrick Wilson Jr. Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Cedrick Wilson Jr. comes from a strong football family. His father, Cedrick Wilson Sr., was a wide receiver in the NFL for seven years, playing for the San Francisco 49ers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Growing up around the league gave Wilson Jr. an early understanding of the dedication and discipline required to sustain a professional football career.
Personal Life
Wilson has kept much of his personal life out of the public eye. He is focused on his NFL career and continuing to contribute to his teams on offense and special teams.
2025 Season Performance
Wilson’s 2025 season was defined by movement between rosters. After being released and re-signed to the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad, he was signed by the Miami Dolphins on October 1, 2025, to add receiver depth following the season-ending knee injury to Tyreek Hill. In his second stint with Miami, he appeared in 10 games with five starts, finishing with five receptions for 44 yards and no touchdowns, never recording more than one catch in any single contest.
His role with the Dolphins was limited, as he functioned primarily as a depth option behind Jaylen Waddle and the team’s other healthy receivers, while also contributing on special teams. The statistical production was modest, but his experience and familiarity with the Dolphins’ offensive system made him a practical addition midseason.
Following the 2025 season, Wilson was not re-signed by Miami, leaving him a free agent heading into 2026 before ultimately signing with the Detroit Lions in May. With Detroit, he has a fresh opportunity to compete for a roster spot and potentially revive his offensive role in a new environment.