Tyrann Mathieu agrees five-year extension with Arizona Cardinals
Tuesday 2 August 2016 20:59, UK
The Arizona Cardinals have agreed to a five-year extension with defensive back Pro Bowl Tyrann Mathieu, according to NFL.com.
The deal, which is worth $62.5m with $40m guaranteed, makes Mathieu the highest-paid safety in the NFL.
'The Honey Badger' is one of the most versatile defenders in the league with his ability to blitz, cover and play the run making him a cornerstone of the Cardinals defence.
The 24-year-old had a career year in 2015 as he racked up five interceptions, 17 passes defended and 80 tackles before tearing his right ACL with two games left and missing the playoffs.
The new contract is a just reward for Mathieu, who was viewed a character risk when the Cardinals chose him 69th overall in the third round of the 2013 draft, but he has been a model citizen in Arizona.
Mathieu was viewed as one of the most talented players in college football but got dismissed from LSU prior to the 2012 season for repeated drug test failures.
Owner Michael Bidwell got Mathieu to agree to roster bonuses and monthly drug tests prior to drafting him, and the Cardinals have been richly rewarded for taking that gamble.
