Arizona Cardinals have two big decisions looming for two of their young players

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Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. (70) against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

For the Arizona Cardinals they have two big decisions to make with regards to Monti Ossenfort’s first draft class, and they are two players at premium positions.

Now the question becomes, how will they address each contract situation?

What is interesting is that Paris Johnson Jr. and Michael Wilson seem to be going about their expectations of their next contract a little bit differently.

At least how it is being reported.

LT Paris Johnson Jr, who is under team control through the 2027 season, is seeking "$40 million" per year on his next contract, per @joshweinfuss

(@AZCardinals) #RiseUpRedSeapic.twitter.com/t0vL8iyTz1

— SleeperCardinals (@SleeperAZCards) June 28, 2026

Michael Wilson tells ESPN that contract extension talks with Arizona are "going great."

"I love the Cardinals organization and I truly do want to be one of those guys that plays for one organization their whole career. That is a goal of mine,"

(via @joshweinfuss) #RiseUpRedSeapic.twitter.com/mLIKykNOfR

— SleeperCardinals (@SleeperAZCards) June 28, 2026

What is so interesting is that Wilson is probably better off playing the year out and betting on himself to get from the $18-22 million range to the $26-30 million range.

While PJJ wanting “$40 million a year,” makes sense for the top end left tackles, and maybe PJJ is, but can you pay that to someone who hasn’t played a full season since his rookie year?

The Cardinals also need to be cognizant of how much they’re investing in their “best players” from a three win team. They can control Paris the next two years at reasonable rates (for the position) while Wilson probably needs to prove he is more than just a volume player when the team is down 17+ points.

What do you think?

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