Michael Wilson emerged as the WR1 option for Jacoby Brissett and the Arizona Cardinals, proving to be a silver lining in their 36-30 road loss to their divisional rival, the San Francisco 49ers.
Wilson actually led all pass catchers in the contest with 11 receptions on 17 targets for 89 yards receiving and a touchdown.
Through three games, he's now totaled 18 catches for 163 yards and a touchdown. Extrapolated over the course of the season, that's on pace for 102 receptions, 924 receiving yards, and 6 touchdowns.
His receiving yardage could go even higher, considering he eclipsed 1,000 yards last season. But generally speaking, the fact that Wilson continues to carry on that momentum and strong connection established with Brissett last year is promising for Arizona's decision to extend him before the season.
Cardinals already look right to extend Michael Wilson
The Cardinals locked up their up-and-coming receiver through the 2029 season, reaching a three-year, $75 million extension.
A lucrative figure for someone just a few years removed from being a third-round selection in 2023, but also telling of how much the Stanford product has improved since joining this team -- and how much the Cardinals nailed this pick.
At the time of the extension, it was reasonable value considering Wilson's third-year breakout and the market for receivers. That decision looks even better, not only with Wilson's continued improvement but also the uncertainty surrounding Marvin Harrison Jr.
Michael Wilson is the silver lining to Marvin Harrison Jr. struggles
The two pass catchers are unfortunately trending in opposite directions for this Arizona offense, with Harrison having totaled just four receptions for 73 through three weeks. Retaining Wilson gives the Cardinals insurance at wide receiver if Harrison doesn't pan out or deliver the third-year breakout some are expecting.
Given how this offense is constructed with tight end Trey McBride and now running back Jeremiyah Love emerging as the focal points, the Cardinals don't necessarily need an upgrade at WR1.
Despite Harrison's concerning struggles to start the season, Wilson has done a predictably solid job of filling the pass-catching void. That's something we can continue to expect going forward thanks to his underrated reliability, just further confirming this extension was the right decision for the Cardinals.
With the elite playmaking options like McBride and Love now in the Valley, it's easy to overlook Wilson's contributions, especially on a rebuilding roster.
But Week 3's loss to the 49ers showed this Cardinals offense can hang in shootouts with the best, and underrated weapons like Wilson are a huge reason why.
Add us as a preferred source on Google