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The Arizona Cardinals are gearing up for a significant 2024 season, with second-year wide receiver Michael Wilson expected to elevate his game. Following a strong rookie season where he averaged 14.9 yards per reception, Wilson has become a key target for quarterback Kyler Murray.
As training camp approaches, set to begin on July 23 at State Farm Stadium, several positional battles will shape the team. One of the most intriguing competitions is between Michael Wilson and veteran Zay Jones for the WR2 spot.
During the offseason, the term "breakout" often surfaces, and Wilson has made it onto Bleacher Report's list of seven receivers poised to break out this season. "With Harrison presumably the team's top receiver, many might overlook Wilson's potential, which would be a mistake," wrote Alex Ballentine.
"Wilson recently shared on Arizona Sports' Wolf & Luke show that he feels a 'night and day' difference from his rookie season to this year. With increased confidence in the playbook and better chemistry with Kyler Murray, he could have a standout season. Both Harrison and Wilson could potentially reach 1,000 yards in 2024."
The Cardinals have several offensive weapons, yet Wilson emerged as one of Murray's preferred targets in the latter half of 2023. Even without Murray, he remained productive with other quarterbacks early in the season.
Having completed a full offseason as a professional, Wilson is expected to be a valuable asset for the Cardinals. Head coach Jonathan Gannon expressed his confidence: "Ultimately, production on the field is what matters, but his daily preparation in all aspects—schematic, technique, physical, mental—is where he will make significant strides," Gannon said. "I believe he will improve in all these areas, increasing his production and helping us win. Mike is incredibly smart, competitive, and dedicated to improving his game. He’s set for a great year."
Gannon added, "He will take a jump in all those buckets as I call them. That will in turn give him a chance to increase his production and help us win. I really like where Mike is at. He’s as smart as they come, as competitive as they come, works on his craft, works on his game. … He’s going to have a good year."
Kyler Murray has also praised Wilson, saying in June, "Mike’s going to be playing for a long time. I fully believe that. He’s one of those guys, I call him at 3 a.m. and he’s there. He loves this (expletive). I fully expect Mike to go off this year for sure."
The competition between Wilson and Jones is fierce. Jones, with his extensive NFL experience, is not far removed from his best season, where he set career highs in targets, catches, and receiving yards with the Jaguars. His versatility and experience provide a strong case for his role on the team.
However, Wilson's rapport with Murray and his potential for growth make him a strong candidate for the WR2 position. If Wilson can stay healthy and continue to build on his connection with Murray, he is well-positioned to secure the role and have a breakout season.
It will be interesting to see how Arizona's offensive coordinator Drew Petzing approaches the 2024 season in terms of run-pass balance. However, Wilson’s talent might be too substantial to overlook, even among a talented group of playmakers in the desert.
