--- title: "Cardinals' trio still unsigned as cap crunch tightens" description: "Wilson, Brissett and Johnson Jr. remain unsigned with roster flexibility on the line ahead of free agency and the draft." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/cardinals-still-have-3-key-players-with-unresolved-contracts-b5ca1666 published: 2026-06-26T21:17:58.326+00:00 updated: 2026-06-26T21:17:58.326+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["football"] --- # Cardinals' trio still unsigned as cap crunch tightens > Wilson, Brissett and Johnson Jr. remain unsigned with roster flexibility on the line ahead of free agency and the draft. The Arizona Cardinals have three pivotal roster pieces still without contracts: wide receiver Michael Wilson, quarterback Jacoby Brissett and offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. Their unsigned status leaves the front office scrambling to manage cap space before free agency opens and the draft arrives. Wilson, a third-round pick in 2022, has flashed upside in limited action but remains in limbo as Arizona weighs his long-term role. Brissett, signed last season to stabilize the position, delivered a 4-1 record as a starter but now faces an uncertain future in a crowded quarterback room. Johnson Jr., the Cardinals' 2023 first-round tackle, started 14 games as a rookie and is viewed as a cornerstone on the offensive line, yet his contract remains unsigned. The Cardinals enter the offseason with tight cap constraints, a carryover from previous years of aggressive spending. Arizona currently sits roughly $10 million below the projected 2025 cap floor, per league estimates, which limits their ability to absorb major free-agent deals or extend internal pieces without creative maneuvering. The unresolved trio adds pressure to find cost-effective solutions, whether through restructures, trades or draft investments. The quarterback carousel in Arizona underscores a broader trend in the NFC West, where teams like the Rams and 49ers have locked in their signal-callers early. Brissett’s 4-1 stint as a starter last season—despite limited preseason preparation—highlighted his value, but the Cardinals’ inability to secure him long-term risks turning him into a short-term bridge or a trade chip. Meanwhile, Wilson’s development trajectory matters in a division where elite receivers like Cooper Kupp and DK Metcalf force teams to prioritize pass-catchers. Paris Johnson Jr.’s situation is particularly acute. As a 2023 first-round pick, his absence from the field beyond Week 17 last season due to injury and contract negotiations sends a signal to the league about Arizona’s commitment to its young core. Teams drafting top offensive linemen early often extend them before their rookie deals expire; Johnson Jr.’s unsigned status could deter potential suitors in trade talks or draft capital exchanges. The Cardinals’ failure to lock him up risks eroding trust with their own draft capital, a critical asset in a division where sustained success hinges on building through the draft. The Cardinals’ cap crunch isn’t just a financial constraint—it’s a strategic bottleneck. With the 2025 draft approaching, Arizona’s ability to address these unsigned contracts before March 11 could dictate whether they enter free agency as buyers or sellers. The longer these deals linger, the more the Cardinals risk losing leverage in trade discussions or being forced to overpay in a market where demand for young, cost-controlled talent outstrips supply. The front office’s next moves will reveal whether they prioritize short-term flexibility or long-term stability. Coach Jonathan Gannon emphasized the importance of clarity but offered no timeline. “We’re working through it,” Gannon said. “These are conversations that matter for the future of the team, and we want to get it right.” The Cardinals are expected to prioritize Brissett’s situation first, given the quarterback’s direct impact on on-field performance and roster construction. What's next: The Cardinals are scheduled to host free-agent visits starting March 11, with the legal tampering period opening March 10. A resolution with Brissett could free up cap space to pursue complementary pieces, while Wilson and Johnson Jr. may need to be addressed before the draft to avoid roster complications. ## Why this matters The Cardinals' inability to finalize deals for Wilson, Brissett and Johnson Jr. exposes their cap limitations and forces tough decisions on roster construction. With free agency and the draft looming, their next moves—whether extensions, restructures or draft capital shifts—will determine whether they can sustain competitiveness or risk falling further behind in the NFC West. The unresolved trio also raises questions about Arizona’s long-term commitment to its young core, a critical factor in a division where sustained success hinges on building through the draft and locking in top prospects early. The cap crunch compounds the urgency, turning what should be routine contract talks into existential roster decisions. ## Frequently asked ### Which Cardinals players are still unsigned heading into free agency? Wide receiver Michael Wilson, quarterback Jacoby Brissett and offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. remain without contracts as the Cardinals navigate cap constraints. ### How much cap space do the Cardinals have right now? Arizona is projected to be around $10 million below the 2025 cap floor, according to league estimates, limiting flexibility for major roster moves. ### Why is Jacoby Brissett's situation the most pressing? Brissett stabilized the quarterback room last season and his status directly impacts on-field performance and roster construction, making his contract one of the top priorities. ### What are the Cardinals' next key dates in free agency? The legal tampering period opens March 10, with free-agent visits scheduled to begin March 11 at Arizona's facility. ### Could the Cardinals trade one of these unsigned players? While not confirmed, the Cardinals may explore trade scenarios if they can't reach agreements, especially if cap relief becomes necessary. ### How does Paris Johnson Jr.'s unsigned status affect the offensive line? Johnson Jr.'s absence sends a signal about Arizona’s commitment to its young core. Teams drafting top offensive linemen early often extend them before their rookie deals expire, and his unsigned status could complicate trade talks or draft capital exchanges. ## Sources & Citations - [Cardinals still have 3 key players with unresolved contracts](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49156900/arizona-cardinals-michael-wilson-jacoby-brissett-paris-johnson-jr-unresolved-contracts) — ESPN (2026-06-26) --- Cite: Cardinals' trio still unsigned as cap crunch tightens. Sportopod, 2026-06-26. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/cardinals-still-have-3-key-players-with-unresolved-contracts-b5ca1666