The Arizona Cardinals announced on May 7 that wide receiver Reggie Virgil, linebacker Karson Sharar, and offensive tackle Jayden Williams have signed their initial four-year rookie contracts. The signings took place as the players arrived in Tempe for their first minicamp practice scheduled for Friday.
The new contracts are important as the team prepares for the upcoming season and evaluates its roster. These three players were selected during Day Three of the recent draft and are expected to compete for roles on both offense and special teams.
Virgil, a fifth-round pick, joins a crowded wide receiver group that now includes 13 players. Notable names include Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Kendrick Bourne, and undrafted free agent Harrison Wallace III. Cardinals Ring of Honor member Adrian Wilson said last week on Big Red Rage that Virgil can “raise the floor of the wide receiver room.” Virgil said he is focused on increasing his strength ahead of his rookie year: “I’m real with myself, so I know 187, 190 ain’t going to cut it in this league,” Virgil said. “I want to be able to fill out my frame more and be able to obtain those hits or dig out those safeties or backers that are about 220.”
Sharar saw increased defensive snaps in his final season at Iowa but is expected to make an impact primarily on special teams after playing over 570 special teams snaps in college. “(Special teams) is blue collar. You’ve got to come in every day and work,” Sharar said. “Nothing is ever given to you. You have to take advantage of the opportunity. You have to really take advantage off the field in your preparation, be able to watch the film, see what your opponents are doing, and then be able to go out there and execute your job.” Williams was drafted as a versatile lineman from Ole Miss who started every game at right tackle last season while also having experience at left tackle since 2022.
In related moves Thursday, Arizona released wide receiver Andre Baccellia and designated offensive lineman Valentin Senn as their international player for offseason roster purposes.
The Arizona Cardinals play home games in Glendale as part of the NFC West division serving the greater Phoenix area; they are recognized as the oldest continuously operating professional football franchise in America and captured an NFC championship in 2008 according to their official website.
Looking ahead, these rookies will compete for roster spots during training camp while aiming to contribute both offensively and on special teams.
