The Arizona Cardinals continue to add defensive help in free agency. Per multiple reports (ESPN’s Mike Reiss and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport), they have reached an agreement with former New England Patriots linebacker Mack Wilson on a three-year contract.
Per Rapoport, it is a $12.75 million deal worth up to $15 million.
Wilson is a 6-foot-1, 246-pound linebacker drafted in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns in 2019. After three years with the Browns, he spent the last two with the Patriots.
He has been a part-time defensive player with a lot of time on special teams since his rookie season. His 305 defensive snaps in 2023 were the most he played since 2020. He also played a career-high 312 snaps on special teams.
He had 37 total tackles, four tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, four quarterback hits, three pass breakups and two forced fumbles.
The deal suggests he is expected to start alongside Kyzir White at linebacker in the role that Josh Woods had last season.
He also transitioned more to the edge, so we will see if he is used more as an off-ball linebacker or as a pass rusher.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.
