Look, the 2025 season wasn’t exactly a highlight reel for the Desert Birds. A 3-14 finish usually means everyone is looking at the exits. But if you actually watched the games—like, really sat through those December losses—the Arizona Cardinals WR depth chart started looking a whole lot different than we expected back in August.
We all thought Marvin Harrison Jr. was going to waltz in and put up 1,400 yards. It didn’t happen. Between a nagging heel injury that eventually landed him on IR and the general chaos of an offense that couldn't find its rhythm, MHJ finished with 608 yards. Not bad for a human, but for a "generational" talent? It felt light.
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But then there's Michael Wilson. Honestly, he’s the reason any Cardinals fan should even bother checking the 2026 outlook. While everyone was staring at the rookie, Wilson quietly turned into a monster.
The Current Pecking Order: It's Wilson's Room Now
Usually, when you talk about the Arizona Cardinals WR depth chart, you start with the first-round pick. Not today. Michael Wilson ended 2025 as the undisputed WR1. He cracked the 1,000-yard mark (1,006 to be exact) and hauled in 7 touchdowns.
The wild part? He had less than 200 yards through the first eight games. He basically went supernova in the second half of the season.
1. Michael Wilson (The Proven Alpha)
Wilson is signed through 2026 and finally looks like the Stanford product the front office dreamed of. He’s 6'2", 213 pounds, and plays even bigger than that. His 38-yard catch-and-run against Cincinnati in Week 17 was a statement. He's no longer just a "possession" guy; he's someone you can actually build a scheme around.
2. Marvin Harrison Jr. (The Question Mark)
It’s weird calling a guy with his pedigree a question mark, but here we are. He’s under contract through 2027, so he’s not going anywhere. The talent is obviously there—he still managed 4 touchdowns in 12 games—but he needs to get healthy. That heel/foot issue that ended his season on January 2nd is the biggest hurdle for the 2026 offseason.
3. Greg Dortch (The Restricted Variable)
Dortch is such a fan favorite because he just works. He played the 2025 season on a one-year, $3.3 million RFA tender. He’s a Restricted Free Agent again heading into 2026, but an ill-timed IR stint late in the year cooled his momentum. If he stays, he’s your slot guy. If he walks, there is a massive hole in the middle of the field.
What Happened to the Rest of the Group?
The back end of this roster is basically a revolving door of "maybe" players. You’ve got Jalen Brooks and Xavier Weaver still under contract through 2026. Brooks has shown flashes on special teams, but he’s not someone opposing defensive coordinators are losing sleep over.
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Weaver is interesting. He’s got the speed, but he didn't exactly leave a deep impression in 2025. He’s a guy who’s basically fighting for his life in camp this coming July.
Then you have the guys on "futures" deals. Bryson Green and Steven Sims are in the building, but let's be real—they're depth pieces. They are the insurance policy for when the injury bug inevitably bites the starters.
The Trey McBride Factor (The "Secret" WR)
You can't talk about the receivers without talking about Trey McBride. I know, I know, he’s a tight end. But on this team? He’s basically a jumbo wideout.
McBride is coming off a season where he set NFL records for TE catches. He’s signed through 2029. When the Arizona Cardinals WR depth chart struggles to create separation, Kyler Murray (or whoever is under center) just looks for #85.
In many ways, the Cardinals' "true" wide receiver hierarchy looks like this:
- WR1: Michael Wilson
- WR1b: Trey McBride
- WR2: Marvin Harrison Jr. (When healthy)
- WR3: Greg Dortch (Pending contract)
Why 2026 Changes Everything
The Cardinals are sitting on the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. They also just fired Jonathan Gannon. That means a new coaching staff is coming in with zero loyalty to the guys currently on the roster.
If the new coach wants a vertical threat, they might look at the draft again. Or they might realize they have two 1,000-yard pass catchers in Wilson and McBride and decide to spend that pick on the offensive line.
One thing is certain: the era of assuming MHJ is the only answer is over. This is a "prove it" room now.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re tracking this team for fantasy or just general interest, here is how you should play the upcoming months:
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- Watch the Injury Reports: Keep a close eye on Marvin Harrison Jr.’s recovery. If he isn't 100% by OTAs, the Cardinals will almost certainly bring in a veteran free agent to compete.
- The Dortch Tender: See if Monti Ossenfort offers Dortch another tender. If they let him test the open market, it’s a sign they want to get bigger and faster at the slot position.
- New Staff Philosophy: The moment a new head coach is hired, look at their history. Do they prefer 11-personnel (3 WRs) or 12-personnel (2 TEs)? That will determine if Xavier Weaver or Jalen Brooks even has a path to the field.
The Arizona Cardinals WR depth chart is far from settled. It’s a group with a very high ceiling and a shockingly low floor. But for the first time in years, the "other" guys are finally starting to outshine the hype.
Get ready for a busy February and March. The roster you see today isn't the one that's going to be lining up in September. Check the transaction wire daily because this WR room is due for a massive facelift.