Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson is coming off of a very solid 2025 campaign in which he tallied 126 receptions for 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns.
But despite his productive play, Wilson remains relatively unknown outside of Arizona. But with a productive 2026 season, that could quickly change. For now though, Wilson is viewed as underrated.
Michael Wilson Named Most Underrated Receiver in Entire NFL Ahead of 2026 Season
GettyGLENDALE, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 29: Wide receiver Michael Wilson #14 of the Arizona Cardinals attempts to catch a pass ahead of Emmanuel Forbes Jr. #13 of the Washington Commanders during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. The Commanders defeated the Cardinals 42-14. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
In a recent article for Bleacher Report, Kristopher Knox ranked the seven most underrated wide receivers in the NFL heading into the ’26 season and Wilson topped the list.
“Michael Wilson was arguably the breakout receiver of 2025. The Arizona Cardinals pass-catcher had a slow start to the year but soared after Jacoby Brissett took over at quarterback and added some punch to the passing game. … Wilson doesn’t possess elite speed (4.58), but he’s quick enough, has strong route skills, and can beat opposing defenders with play strength and size (6’2″, 213 lbs). In other words, he just might be the go-to No. 1 receiver that Arizona thought it was getting in Harrison,” Knox wrote.
“It’s unclear how Arizona’s QB situations will look this season with Brissett, Gardner Minshew, and rookie Carson Beck serving as the team’s top options. If the Cardinals find QB stability, though, Mike LaFleur’s offense should give Wilson the opportunity for another significant jump.”
Wilson will look to build off of the momentum that he established last season in 2026.
Michael Wilson in Line for Contract Extension with Cardinals
GettyGLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 07: Michael Wilson #14 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on December 07, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
After his best season as a pro, Wilson is eligible for an extension with the Cardinals this offseason as he has just one year remaining on his rookie contract. So far though, there has been little movement on a deal.
While Wilson would obviously like to get some long-term security before the season starts, he’s not going to let the contract stuff impact his on-field performance.
“I don’t want that to affect how I show up every single day because ultimately that stuff is going to take care of itself. What I did last year, I can’t change. Like, that’s my resume, that’s what we’re going off of,” Wilson said back in May.
“But as soon as Week 1 starts and we’re playing against [the] L.A. Chargers, contract stuff, that stuff doesn’t matter. What I did last year doesn’t matter. I need to make sure I’m taking care of what I can now, tomorrow, the next day after that. That’s going to help me sort of replicate that season and build upon that.”
Arizona Cardinals Star Named Most Underrated Wide Receiver in NFL