Upon Further Review of Michael Wilson's Contract Extension


By Walter Mitchell

Forgive me if I am a little leery of the Cardinals giving a player who has only had one superb season in three years what could be another "too much too soon" contract.

During the social media buzz regarding Michael Wilson's contract, I tweeted this assessment:


Walter B J Mitchell
@WBJMItch
If Michael Wilson wants more than $20M a year, then the team should would wait, Austin. One stellar year does not warrant a $20+M salary, at any position. Give the team 2 superb years and that's a whole different scenario.

I see the same guys are now making the same "pay him now" argument they were making for Kyler Murray. When will fans ever learn?

People underestimate what a burden a "too much too soon" "EA$Y MONEY" contract can put on a player when, with the heavy bags come the loftiest of expectations.

That's why it's wise to give big bags to players like Budda Baker and Trey McBride after they have stacked outstanding seasons.

Patterns of performance and durability are huge factors in weighing a player's true market value. One great season isn't enough. The team has protection with the transition and franchise tags. Better to get it right than take the huge risk of getting it wrong.

Then came a reply that I found particularly cogent:


Jeremiyah Enjoyer 🫶
@iliketofootball
Michael Wilson is not a Kyler. In fact, he’s like the anti-Kyler, a guy you know you never have to worry about effort or attitude.

Here was my reaction to hearing the details on Michael Wilson's contract extension:


Walter B J Mitchell
@WBJMItch
Boost
Good deal for Michael Wilson. This is DeVonta Smith money at $25M per year, tied for 20th in highest WR salaries per year.

Smith (1,009, 13.1, 4 TDs) and Wilson (1,006, 12.9, 7 TDs) had similar production last season.

Smith got $51M in guarantees, while Wilson got $47M.

Where Wilson won big-time to get DeVonta Smith money is Smith has had three 1,000-yard seasons, 5,019 yds in 4 years with 31 TDs, while Wilson has one 1,000-yard season, 2,119 yds in 3 years, with 14 TDs.
Quote
Ian Rapoport
@RapSheet
The #AZCardinals’ deal for WR Michael Wilson is a 3-year, $75M extension with a maximum value of $78M, per me and @AdamSchefter. He gets $47M guaranteed in a deal negotiated by Andrew Kessler at Athletes First.
Image
3,881
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Then in trying to reiterate my sense that Michael Wilson was the big-winner in the negotiations, I tweeted:


Walter B J Mitchell
@WBJMItch
Boost
At 25M a year? After only one stellar season? 20th highest paid WR in NFL? The clear winner here is Michael Wilson.
Quote
Cardinals Connoisseur
@AZConnoisseur
Replying to @AZConnoisseur
@WBJMItch team friendly too!
3,733
Views

Then, here was my response to a poster who presented a comparison of Michael Wilson's contract to Christian Kirk's in 2022.

Walter B J Mitchell
@WBJMItch
Boost
Christian Kirk: 4-year $72M ($18M/yr), $37M g-ted Michael Wilson: 3-year $75M ($25M/yr), $47M g-ted Not comparable, Connor.
Quote
Connor
@bambamconman
Replying to @WBJMItch
Remember when Christian Kirk got 21/yr to go to Jacksonville and NEVER cracked a thousand yards for us? This deal is WAY better than that one.
3,735
Views

Oh, but wait...

Jace
@AzJace
In 2022, when the Christian Kirk contract was signed, the salary cap was $208.2M. The projected salary cap in 2027, when the Wilson contract will be in effect, is $327M. Kirk’s APY was ~8.6% of the cap. Wilson’s APY will be ~7.6% of the cap. FWIW, I think the cap in 2027 will be higher than the projected $327M. Contract details for Wilson aren’t available at this stage, so I can’t break it down in more detail. #AZCardinals #RiseUpRedSea
Quote
Walter B J Mitchell
@WBJMItch
Christian Kirk: 4-year $72M ($18M/yr), $37M g-ted Michael Wilson: 3-year $75M ($25M/yr), $47M g-ted Not comparable, Connor. x.com/bambamconman/s…


I stand corrected.


Walter B J Mitchell
@WBJMItch
Excellent clarification, Jace! "Jace is the place for the helpful Cardinals info man!"

The reality about Michael Wilson as a player and person:

Please click on the video

https://x.com/Ihartitz/status/2052770840026972503/video/1


Walter B J Mitchell
@WBJMItch
Boost
What's easy to love about ARI WR Michael Wilson: Football IQ ✅ Route Running: ✅ Hands: ✅ RAC Ability: ✅ Toughness: ✅ 50/50 balls: ✅ Ball Security: ✅
Work Ethic: ✅ Blocking: progressing
Character: ✅
Leadership: ✅

Conclusion:

Thanks to "a little help from my friends" ---

I whole-heartedly believe that Michael Wilson is 100% worthy of the Cardinals' trust and that his 3-year $75M contract with added incentives and $47M guaranteed feels right and good for all parties concerned.

Truth is, if you ask around, "I get high with a little help from my friends."

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