first one of his career. In Week 16, he collected a season-high seven combined tackles and a pass deflection in the Cardinals' 30–7 victory at the Carolina Panthers. On January 6, 2002, Wilson broke up a pass and returned an interception by quarterback Tony Banks for a 61-yard touchdown in a 20–17 loss at the Washington Redskins in Week 17. The pick six marked the first touchdown of his career. He finished his rookie season in 2001 with 32 combined tackles (24 solo), six passes defensed, two interceptions, a touchdown, and was credited with a half a sack in 16 games and zero starts. 2002 Wilson entered training camp slated as the starting strong safety after the role was left vacant by the departure of Pat Tillman. Head coach Dave McGinnis named Wilson the starting strong safety to start the season, alongside free safety Kwamie Lassiter. Wilson was inactive for the Arizona Cardinals' season-opener at the Washington Redskins after injuring his shoulder during the preseason. On September 15, 2002, Wilson earned his first career start and recorded three solo tackles during a 24–13 win at the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. On October 20, 2002, Wilson collected eight combined tackles, deflected three passes, made a season-high three interceptions, and recorded his first career sack in the Cardinals' 9–6 victory against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7. He intercepted three pass attempts and made his first career sack on quarterback Quincy Carter. In Week 10, he collected a season-high 11 combined tackles (ten solo) during a 27–6 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He was sidelined for the Cardinals' Week 17 loss at the Denver Broncos due to a lingering issue with his stomach. 2003 Defensive coordinator Larry Marmie retained Wilson as the starting strong safety to start the season, opposite free safety Dexter Jackson. In Week 12, Wilson collected a season-high ten solo tackles and deflected three passes during a 30–27 loss to the St. Louis Rams. On December 29, 2003, the Arizona Cardinals fired head coach Dave McGinnis after they finished with a 4–12 record and finished last in their division with a losing record for the fourth consecutive season. He completed the season with 77 combined tackles (68 solo) and eight passes defensed in 16 games and 15 starts. 2004 On December 24, 2004, the Arizona Cardinals signed Wilson to a five-year, $21 million contract with a signing bonus