North Carolina State University Athletics
Former Wolfpack Safety Gets Sweet Deal with Cardinals
12/24/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 24, 2004
The Arizona Cardinals announced Thursday that the team has signed safety Adrian Wilson to a five-year contract extension through the 2009 season. In accordance with club policy, terms were not disclosed.
"I didn't think I would ever get to free agency," Wilson said. "I thought Arizona was going to get the deal done, which they did. It never crossed my mind that I was going to be in the market. It was a big relief for me to get it off my shoulders. I'm real happy right now. I'll be a Cardinal for a long time, I think this will probably be the only team I play for in the league."
Head Coach Dennis Green said Wednesday that even before signing Bertrand Berry, that Wilson was the first piece of the puzzle to building the Cardinals defense. Green said on Thursday that Wilson joins Berry, Darnell Dockett, and Karlos Dansby as the staples of the Cards defense for years to come.
"I think Coach Green is a great coach and I believe in everything he's trying to do here," responded Wilson to being told of Green's comments. "It is a big compliment for him to say that about me and I just want to prove to those guys that I am worth everything that they gave me."
Wilson (6-2, 223) was taken by the Cardinals in the third round of the 2001 draft out of North Carolina State. The fourth year strong safety is currently second on the team with 90 tackles (James Darling, 94) and has set a new career high with 71 solos. Earlier this season, he returned a fumble 35 yards for a touchdown against New Orleans in the 35-10 week 4 victory, earning him the "NFC Defensive Player of the Week" honor.
The 25-year old High Point, N.C. native led the Cardinals with four interceptions and ranked fourth on the team with 110 tackles (68 solos) in 2002 during his first season as a regular starter. He followed that up with 72 tackles (54 solos) as a 15-game starter in 2003.
Wilson has collected 308 tackles (216 solo), 8 interceptions, 32 pass deflections, and 3.5 sacks in 60 career games with the Cardinals.
