The Arizona Cardinals have reportedly been negotiating a contract extension with Tyrann Mathieu, and the torn ACL the Pro Bowler suffered last season is apparently not going to cost him any money.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that the Cardinals are in “deep negotiations” with Mathieu on a contract extension that could make him the highest-paid safety in the NFL.
“They view him as one of the faces of the franchise and their community efforts,” Rapoport said Monday. “From what I am told a new payday is expected to make him among the highest paid, if not the highest-paid safety in the NFL and don’t be surprised, if all goes well, if this is done before everyone breaks for the summer.”
Mathieu was the anchor of an outstanding Arizona defense last season, and he has emerged as one of the best defensive players in the league. While health is obviously a concern, he is still relatively young and can bounce back. Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas is the highest-paid player at the position with an average annual value of $10 million.
Based on what Larry Fitzgerald said about Mathieu’s healing powers, the Cardinals have no reason not to pay the former LSU star. He seems like a slam dunk investment.
