He was named first-team All-Pro and selected to his first Pro Bowl despite missing the last two games because of his ACL injury.
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Mathieu was a standout player at LSU, a finalist for the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore in 2011.
It seems the Arizona Cardinals have agreed to an extension with safety Tyrann Mathieu.
The Cardinals and defensive back Tyrann Mathieu have agreed in principle to a five-year contract worth a maximum of $62.5 million, according to National Football League sources.
Les Miles rarely gets emotional in a perfunctory press conference but a question about former Tiger Tyrann Mathieu getting his big National Football League contract brought out his happy side.
“I want what is best for my team, and I want what’s best for me personally”, Mathieu said in June about a potential extension.
He has yet to participate in training camp activities, as he recovers from last season’s ACL injury. Yes, it was about losing Mathieu the player, but it was also pain for Mathieu the person. He recorded five interceptions, 89 tackles and a sack. The Cardinals and All-Pro defensive back Mathieu have.
Mathieu’s stock fell but the Arizona Cardinals took a chance on him in the third round of the 2013 draft.
Respected by the defense much like Larry Fitzgerald is by the offense, Mathieu is said to be a key motivator for the Cardinals.
Mathieu’s contract will average $12.5 million per season, which surpasses the $10.8 million Eric Berry will make with the Kansas City Chiefs this season under the franchise tag. In fact, it’s quite easy to argue that Mathieu – whether he’s a safety, corner or nickel – is one of the most dynamic defensive backs regardless of position. The $40 million in guaranteed money is the most ever for a safety. It hasn’t yet been determined if Mathieu will be ready for the start of the 2016 season. Mathieu projects that he could be back on the field in about three weeks. But even if Mathieu does get injured again, the Cardinals may get their money’s worth out of the emerging leader Tyrann is becoming.
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Miles has always remained a fan of Mathieu despite the player’s issues at LSU.
