Tyrann Mathieu, Cardinals Agree to New Contract: Latest Details and Reaction

The Arizona Cardinals and defensive back Tyrann Mathieu reached an agreement Tuesday on a massive contract extension.

Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Mathieu’s new deal with the Cardinals is for five years at about $12 million per season. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the deal is worth a total of $62.5 million with $40 million in guaranteed money.

Mathieu emerged as one of the league’s most dynamic defensive playmakers during his breakout 2015 campaign. He registered 89 combined tackles, 17 passes defended, five interceptions and a touchdown before his season came to an early end due to his second torn ACL since 2013.

What makes the 24-year-old LSU product so valuable beyond his game-changing potential is his versatility. He can play anywhere in the secondary—either safety spot, slot corner or even on the perimeter against an opponent’s top receiving weapon—and is also comfortable moving closer to the line of scrimmage to play the run.

Though third-rounders like Mathieu rarely become Pro Bowl-caliber …

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