Cardinals sign Wilson to five-year deal

TEMPE - Ariz. - The Arizona Cardinals have come to terms with strong safety Adrian Wilson on a five-year deal.

Wilson will receive around $39 million, with $18.5 million guaranteed.

The deal keeps Wilson with the Cardinals through the 2013 season.

The Cardinals and Wilson's agent have been in discussions on and off since the teams' improbable Super Bowl run.

"It was something I wanted to get done," Wilson said on Sports 620 KTAR's Gambo & Ash.

As the months moved along, Wilson was not worried that a deal would never be completed.

"It wasn't the time frame for me, really on when it was going to get done, I knew they were going to do me right."

Wilson is a two-time Pro Bowler, making the Pro Bowl in 2009 after a season in which he collected 85 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two interceptions.

The upcoming season will be Wilson's ninth with the team, after being the Cardinals third-round selection in 2001.

Cardinals General Manager Rod Graves knows there are other players that want contracts and will continue to work on those as the season nears. Most notably, Anquan Boldin and Darnell Dockett have made it known they are unhappy with their contracts.

Graves appreciated that Wilson has continued to go about his work this offseason while the team and his agent negotiated his deal.

"You can't help but applaud the way he's played the game and the way he's conducted himself on and off the field," Graves said. "Particularly through these contract negotiations."

The 29-year-old has 18.5 sacks and 18 interceptions in his career, appearing in 118 regular season games for the Cardinals. A safety that covers the pass or comes up to the line and defends the run if needed.

"I like to hang my hat on being a jack of all trades," Wilson said. "Not really be so strong in one area, but just being able to be consistent throughout."

Wilson is nearing in on the 20/20 club for NFL defensive backs and has a good chance of eclipsing that mark this season.

"I feel like that is something I can do this year," Wilson said, later adding that he would like to get to the 30/30 club as well.

Wilson has started in 100 of those game, and has forced 10 fumbles, recovering seven.

He is currently the longest tenured Cardinal.