Who Should I Start? Adam Thielen or Michael Wilson

Tuesday, June 2, 5:31 PM

Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur said that wide receiver Michael Wilson will play "closer to the core" in the Puka Nacua role as the Z receiver in 2026, according to The Arizona Republic's Theo Mackie. Former first-rounder Marvin Harrison Jr. will play the Davante Adams role as the X receiver, while Kendrick Bourne is expected to see more work in the slot than he has in the past. Wilson, 26, had a career year in 2025 in his third year in the NFL, but he only broke through after veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett replaced the injured Kyler Murray (foot). The former third-rounder in 2023 out of Stanford caught 78 passes for 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns on 126 targets across 17 regular-season games. After his first career 1,000-yard season, the Cardinals have made it clear they are interested in giving Wilson an extension. It's good news that Brissett is back as Arizona's starter under center in 2026, but in what should be a much more balanced offense in the desert under LaFleur, the Cardinals' entire passing game is expected to take a step back. Wilson, who is ranked as RotoBaller's No. 37 fantasy WR in single-year leagues, could lead the team in targets and catches in the underneath role.