Four Arizona Cardinals are set to get raises in 2026, and it is not due to a contract extension. These gamers have earned league “proven performance” salary escalators.
Players not orginally drafted in the primary spherical can earn fourth-year salary escalators, based mostly on taking part in time and/or recognition.
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The particulars come from the collective bargaining settlement, via Over the Cap.
How NFL gamers earn confirmed efficiency escalators
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The Level Two PPE is earned if a participant participates in not less than 55% of a staff’s offensive or defensive snaps in all of his first three seasons.
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(*4*) is earned if a participant is chosen to a Pro Bowl on the unique poll (not as an alternate) in any of his first three seasons.
A level-one participant will make the salary of a restricted free agent original-round tender — about $3.6 million.
A level-two escalator will get the level-one salary, plus $250,000 (about $3.85 million)
A level-three escalator will earn the salary of a second-round restricted free agent tender, greater than $5.8 million.
4 Cardinals gamers earn escalators
Three gamers earned level-one escalators.
Williams, Stills and Higgins will make about $3.6 million in salary in 2026. Stills and Higgins have been scheduled to make the league minimal of $1.145 million.
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One participant — receiver Michael Wilson — certified for stage 2, so he’ll make greater than $3.85 million in 2026.
Williams will doubtless begin the season on injured reserve. The relaxation can have their roles once more.
Wilson might see a contract extension.
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This article initially appeared on Cards Wire: 4 Arizona Cardinals getting big salary increases in 2026