GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals not securing an extension with wide receiver Michael Wilson is disappointing but not surprising. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on Wednesday that a new deal between Wilson and Cardinals is unlikely, leading to the 26-year-old being a “key free agent” in 2027. The news becomes another example of general manager Monti Ossenfort failing to secure an extension with a star player on the roster.
PHNX Cardinals’ writer Johnny Venerable posted on his X account to highlight the difference in the previous GM regime in Steve Keim to this current one when it comes to extension talks. The difference is staggering.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) makes a touchdown catch against Los Angeles Rams safety Kamren Kinchens (26) in the first half at State Farm Stadium on Dec 7, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Kiem vs. Ossenfort extension history with impactful players:
- Kiem (2013-2022):
- Carson Palmer
- Kyler Murray
- David Johnson
- Patrick Peterson
- Tyrann Mathieu
- DeAndre Hopkins
- Chandler Jones
- D.J. Humphries
- Markus Golden
- Budda Baker
- James Conner
- Ossenfort (2023-present):
- James Conner
- Budda Baker
- Trey McBride
- Hjalte Froholdt
Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort speaks during a press conference at the Arizona Cardinals facility in Tempe after the first round of the NFL Draft on April 23, 2026. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Fours years against 10 will obviously lead to Kiem getting the advantage. However, it is troubling that half of Ossenfort’s examples are players that previously already signed an extension with the franchise. Securing All-Pro Trey McBride is the biggest win from either general manager, but that advantage is losing its power the longer into Ossenfort’s tenure.
The Wilson extension is a massive one, but offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. is just as important of a deal to get done. Ossenfort in his first offseason made a massive swing trading out of third overall in 2023 to 12th overall, missing out on Will Anderson. Then, trading for the Detroit Lions sixth pick in exchange for the 12th pick, which turned they drafted Jahmyr Gibbs. Two All-Pro options for Ossenfort and he traded out both times for Johnson, which makes keeping him seem even more dire.
Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Mike LaFleur speak during a press conference at the Arizona Cardinals facility in Tempe after the first round of the NFL Draft on April 23, 2026.
Many were surprised Ossenfort wasn’t given the boot alongside head coach Jonathan Gannon, given them being hired at the same time and experiencing the same failures. Owner Michael Bidwill kept him and even had him for the press conference following Gannon’s firing, making a commitment to winning. However, not getting an extension done with the best wide receiver on the roster, as well as the best offensive lineman, doesn’t share that same message.
Cardinals’ Michael Wilson ‘likely to be free agent’ after 2026 season
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
