Elijah Wilkinson, an offensive tackle who played for the Atlanta Falcons over the past three seasons, signed a two-year contract worth $6.25 million with the Arizona Cardinals during the 2026 NFL free agency period.[1][2]

The pact includes $3 million guaranteed, according to contract details reported by multiple outlets.[2][3] Wilkinson, 30, initially joined the Falcons ahead of the 2022 season after stints with the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears.[4]

An undrafted free agent out of the University of Massachusetts in 2017, Wilkinson appeared in 38 games with 26 starts for the Broncos from 2017 to 2020, primarily at tackle and guard.[4][5] He played 17 games with one start for the Bears in 2021.[4]

With the Falcons from 2022 to 2025, Wilkinson appeared in 51 regular-season games, logging 20 starts, primarily at left tackle in 2023.[4][5] In 2024, he played in two games mainly on special teams; he started all 17 games at right tackle in 2025 following a knee injury to Kaleb McGary in training camp.[1][6]

Following the signing announcement, screenshots of social media interactions showed Wilkinson responding to critical comments from Falcons fans.[6][7] One fan wrote, "Thank god your [sic] gone," prompting Wilkinson to reply, "Good luck with that clown show over there," with a laughing emoji.[6]

In another exchange, Wilkinson wrote to a fan, "Lol, y’all in hell [right now]. Have fun being a—next year."[6] Direct messages captured by screenshots included jabs at former teammates wide receiver Darnell Mooney and tight end Kyle Pitts, with Wilkinson stating, "Hahaha yeah alright and all the passes Mooney dropped and Pitts f--- off my line. Have fun rooting to lose the NFC south," followed by a reference to "28-3" -- the Falcons' blown lead in Super Bowl LI against the New England Patriots -- and calling the team a "laughing stock."[6][7]

The Falcons selected left-handed quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft; right tackle protects his blindside.[4][8]

Sources

1. Arizona Cardinals
   Cardinals Sign OL Elijah Wilkinson
   March 13, 2026
   https://www.azcardinals.com/news/cardinals-sign-ol-elijah-wilkinson
2. ESPN
   Cardinals signing OT Elijah Wilkinson to 2-year, $6.25M deal
   March 13, 2026
   https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39784567/cardinals-elijah-wilkinson-contract
3. Spotrac
   Elijah Wilkinson Contract Details
   Accessed March 15, 2026
   https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/arizona-cardinals/elijah-wilkinson-22244/
4. Pro-Football-Reference
   Elijah Wilkinson Player Page
   Accessed March 15, 2026
   https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WilkEl00.htm
5. NFL.com
   Elijah Wilkinson Bio
   Accessed March 15, 2026
   https://www.nfl.com/players/elijah-wilkinson/
6. Fox News Digital
   Atlanta Falcons' Elijah Wilkinson unloads on team, fans after Cardinals signing
   March 14, 2026
   https://www.foxnews.com/sports/elijah-wilkinson-falcons-cardinals-signing-trash-talk
7. Yahoo Sports
   Ex-Falcon Elijah Wilkinson blasts Atlanta fans, teammates on social media after Cardinals deal
   March 14, 2026
   https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/ex-falcons-ot-elijah-wilkinson-trades-barbs-with-fans-teammates-after-signing-with-cardinals-185023456.html