Elijah Wilkinson’s Cardinals Tackle Role

Background and Journey to Arizona

Elijah Wilkinson is an offensive lineman entering his tenth year in the NFL and his second stint with the Arizona Cardinals. His first Cardinal season came in 2023, when he started nine contests at left guard. Before signing with Arizona, he spent four seasons with the Denver Broncos, playing guard and tackle duties in 26 games. A one‑year stay with the Chicago Bears in 2021 and a season with the Atlanta Falcons in 2022 followed, then he returned to the Falcons for two more campaigns. The 2024 campaign saw him start every snap at right tackle for Atlanta, capping off a roller‑coaster career path.

Contract and Financial Overview

This offseason Wilkinson inked a two‑year deal worth $6.25 million with Arizona. He received a $1.5 million signing bonus and a fully guaranteed $1.58 million for the 2026 season. Additionally, he can earn up to $425,000 through per‑game roster bonuses. His cap hit for 2026 sits near $2.9 million, reflecting a significant investment by the Cardinals. The contract provides security after several shorter‑term moves and a brief stint out of the league in 2024.

Current Roster Position and Competition

At present, Wilkinson is considered a roster lock and is set to become the Cardinals’ starting right tackle for the 2026 campaign. The team also fields a group of other interior and edge tackle prospects, including Josh Fryar, Oli Udoh, Christian Jones, Demontrey Jacobs, and rookie Jayden Williams. These players create depth and competition for the Lane Johnson‑type spot, though Wilkinson’s experience gives him an edge. Coach and front‑office officials will watch training camp closely to decide how much of that versatility to keep.

On‑field Performance and Open Questions

Wilkinson played every snap last season for Atlanta, but he also topped the league in penalty counts, raising concerns about consistency. The challenge moving forward is whether he can transition from a full‑time starter to a dependable, penalty‑free player for Arizona. His ability to stay disciplined while maintaining pass‑protection effectiveness will be critical for the Cardinals’ offensive line. Fans and analysts will monitor his progress through the July 22 camp and preseason games.