Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur said Michael Wilson will play the Puka Nacua role, “closer to the core,” as the Z-receiver.
LaFleur spent the last three seasons as Nacua’s offensive coordinator with the Rams. Taking on the Z-receiver role means that Wilson, 26, will have an easier time getting free releases because he gets to lineup off of the line of scrimmage. It’s great news, both for fantasy purposes and for Wilson, who is currently hoping for a contract extension. Wilson will also likely get opportunities to run routes from the slot. Wilson broke out in 2025, posting a 78/1,006/7 receiving line. Given the Cardinals’ unsettled quarterback situation, Wilson might prudently be viewed as a reliable FLEX option, but jumping up a tier or two is possible, depending on how the target pecking order shakes out between him, TE Trey McBride and WR Marvin Harrison Jr.