The Arizona Cardinals will be counting on a few players to be top performers in 2025. Quarterback Kyler Murray, running back James Conner, receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and tight end Trey McBride are the high rollers on offense. They will rely on many newcomers on defense.

But who is the Cardinals’ X-factor in 2025?

According to PFF, that would be third-year receiver Michael Wilson.

Arizona Cardinals’ 2025 X-factor: WR Michael Wilson

Marvin Harrison Jr. could soon be a star, and Trey McBride is one of the best tight ends in the NFL. The Cardinals need one more dynamic receiving weapon, though, and Wilson is the player they’re counting on. His 64.5 PFF receiving grade last season represents a slight decline from his rookie season in 2023. He also recorded fewer than 60 receiving yards in every game after Week 5 in 2024. If Wilson can break out in Year 3, Arizona’s offense could be a serious two-dimensional threat.

The Cardinals do need a consistent producer as their third option in the passing game. Murray believes Wilson can be a 1,000-yard receiver. The team’s belief in him and the receivers behind him show in the fact that they only added Simi Fehoko in free agency.

Wilson is a factor as a blocker and has had good games. What he has not had in his two NFL seasons is consistency.

Will Year 3 be the year? If so and he can be an 800-yard type player, the Cardinals will be great offensively.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: PFF names WR Michael Wilson as Arizona Cardinals’ X-factor in 2025