Cardinals reportedly agree to record extension with star safety Tyrann Mathieu
The Arizona Cardinals have locked up Pro Bowl cornerback Tyrann Mathieu, agreeing to a five-year, $62.5 million contract extension that includes $40 million in guarantees, ESPN reported Tuesday. The guaranteed money reportedly is the most by any safety in the NFL.
Tyrann Mathieu $40M GTD... Most guaranteed money among current safety contracts Harrison Smith (Vikings) at $28.6M. per @ESPNStatsInfo
— Mike Jurecki (@mikejurecki) August 2, 2016
Mathieu had a career year in 2015, finishing with 80 tackles and five interceptions -- both personal bests. The 24-year-old star safety missed the final two regular-season games of 2015 and Arizona's playoff run after suffering an ACL injury that he is still rehabbing.
Mathieu, who is on the physically unable to perform list, fell to the third round of the NFL Draft in 2013 despite having what many considered to be first-round talent. He missed his final season at LSU because of numerous off-field issues.
The Cardinals have won at least 10 games in each of Bruce Arians' first three seasons as head coach. The team is coming off a 13-3 year but lost in the NFC title game to the Carolina Panthers.
