What Happened to Cedrick Wilson Jr.?
Cedrick Wilson Jr. is an American professional football wide receiver who has played for the Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, and New Orleans Saints. After a career-best season with the Cowboys in 2021, he signed a significant contract with the Dolphins, though his role diminished. He later had a stint with the Saints and a second one with the Dolphins before signing with the Detroit Lions in May 2026.
Quick Answer
Cedrick Wilson Jr. is currently a wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, having signed with the team on May 20, 2026. Prior to this, he had two stints with the Miami Dolphins (2022-2023, 2025) and played for the New Orleans Saints in 2024 and part of 2025. He was originally drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2018, where he spent four seasons, including a breakout year in 2021.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Born in Memphis, Tennessee
Cedrick Wilson Jr. was born in Memphis, Tennessee.
Drafted by Dallas Cowboys
Wilson was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round (208th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Career-Best Season with Cowboys
Wilson had his most productive NFL season, recording 45 receptions for 602 yards and 6 touchdowns with the Dallas Cowboys.
Signed with Miami Dolphins (First Stint)
Wilson signed a three-year, $22.8 million contract with the Miami Dolphins, aiming for a larger role in their offense.
Dolphins Contract Restructured
The Miami Dolphins restructured Wilson's contract, including a provision that created a void year and made him a free agent in 2024.
Signed with New Orleans Saints
Wilson signed a two-year contract with the New Orleans Saints. He played in 15 games for the Saints in the 2024 season.
Released by Saints, Re-signed to Practice Squad
The New Orleans Saints released Wilson but re-signed him to their practice squad on the same day.
Waived from Saints Practice Squad
Wilson was waived from the New Orleans Saints' practice squad.
Re-signed to Saints Practice Squad (Second Time)
Wilson re-signed with the New Orleans Saints' practice squad.
Signed with Miami Dolphins (Second Stint)
The Miami Dolphins signed Wilson off the Saints' practice squad to their active roster after Tyreek Hill suffered a season-ending injury.
Became Unrestricted Free Agent
After finishing the 2025 season with the Miami Dolphins, Wilson became an unrestricted free agent.
Signed with Detroit Lions
Cedrick Wilson Jr. signed with the Detroit Lions, adding veteran depth to their wide receiver corps ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Cedrick Wilson Jr.'s NFL journey began when he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round (208th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft after a successful college career at Boise State. He spent his first four seasons with the Cowboys, primarily serving as a depth receiver and special teams contributor. His most productive season came in 2021, where he recorded career highs with 45 receptions for 602 yards and six touchdowns, showcasing his potential as a reliable pass-catcher.
Following his strong 2021 performance, Wilson signed a three-year, $22.8 million contract with the Miami Dolphins on March 17, 2022, seeking a more prominent role. However, his time in Miami during his first stint (2022-2023) saw a diminished role behind star receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. In August 2023, his contract was restructured, creating a void year and making him a free agent in 2024.
In March 2024, Wilson signed a two-year contract with the New Orleans Saints. He played in 15 games for the Saints in 2024, tallying 20 receptions for 211 yards and one touchdown. His tenure with the Saints was short-lived, as he was released in August 2025 and subsequently spent time on their practice squad.
Wilson returned to the Miami Dolphins for a second stint on October 1, 2025, when he was signed off the Saints' practice squad to address wide receiver depth after Tyreek Hill suffered a season-ending injury. He appeared in 10 games for the Dolphins in 2025, making 5 starts, but only recorded 5 receptions for 44 yards. He was not re-signed after the 2025 season, becoming an unrestricted free agent.
As of May 20, 2026, Cedrick Wilson Jr. has signed with the Detroit Lions. This move adds veteran depth to a competitive Lions receiving room. He will compete for a roster spot and playing time, bringing his experience as a versatile receiver and special teams contributor to the team.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Cedrick Wilson Jr. made different choices?