Arizona Cardinals can possibly beat fans expectations this year
The Cardinals had a rough start to their joint practice on both sides of the ball but turned it around in the second half, with some strong performances from key young players.
Monti Ossenfort has few hits to his name as a drafter with the Arizona Cardinals so far, and one of the few is now at risk of leaving next offseason.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on Sept. 2, 2026, that “the Cardinals have attempted to extend Wilson … But right now, the likeliest path for Wilson is to enter Week 1 on the final year of his rookie deal.”
It makes sense that general manager Ossenfort and the Cardinals have tried to extend Wilson, as he is coming off of a 1,006-yard campaign in 2025. He led Arizona’s wide receivers in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches.
Wide receiver Alec Pierce signed a four-year/$114 million contract this offseason with the Indianapolis Colts. Pierce has never recorded as many receiving yards in any season as Wilson did in 2025.
That means Wilson could be in for a big payday, which could cost the Cardinals.
Affording him financially will only get tougher if he does continue playing well.
“Perhaps the team finds a way to get a deal done, but sources indicate he’s likely to be a key free agent,” Fowler reported.
The plus for general manager Monti Ossenfort would be that the Cardinals are projected to have over $140 million in cap space next offseason. Ossenfort may see if he can find a better deal after the season.