PHX Reporter

For Michael Wilson, this has been the K1 offseason. The second-year receiver has stayed in Arizona each weekend specifically to train with quarterback Kyler Murray. He didn't get that chance as a rookie, since Murray was still rehabbing from his ACL tear. Changing that up this offseason included telling his girlfriend -- USA soccer star Sophia Smith, who plays professionally for the Portland Thorns -- that he was not going to the Pacific Northwest "because I'm staying here so I can work on my relationship with Kyler."

"The thing I'm most excited about is continuing to build my rapport with Kyler," Wilson said. "That's been amazing to do."

The Cardinals have Marvin Harrison Jr., and he is expected to be WR1. However, Wilson's development and his chemistry with Murray should not be understated.

"I call him at 3 a.m., he's there," Murray said. "He loves this (expletive). I fully expect Mike to go off this year."

While 3 a.m. might be hyperbole, Wilson mentioned he has gone out almost every weekend with Murray (and other receivers) to throw extra and work more on the timing that Drew Petzing's offense relies upon. The text will come in the night before from Murray: "You around to throw the next morning at 10?"

"I told him, 'Bro, I'm here for you,'" Wilson said. "I want to help him turn this thing around and build this around you. I'll put everything else to the side unless it's something major."

Wilson stated that they have built a relationship where each is comfortable telling the other what more they need, whether it comes with Murray's pass placement or Wilson's depth of route. They now have a "feel" for each other that can be hard to quantify.

"I can't even articulate how amazing it's been," Wilson said.

Murray and his receivers are planning more work in the upcoming weeks before training camp, according to Wilson, now that the official offseason program has ended.

On a personal note, Wilson mentioned he has seen nine of Smith's games this offseason thanks to USA playing in L.A. while he was training there. He just hasn't been able to get back to Portland lately. When asked how Smith took the news that his relationship with Kyler was taking precedence for now, Wilson replied:

"She's a professional athlete so ..." noting her understanding.

"But," he added, "she is a girlfriend at the same time."

Caitlyn Epes/Arizona Cardinals