Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reports that the Cardinals have informed DB Tyrann Mathieu that he’s being released.
- Pro Football Talk reports that the Cardinals did not use the post-June 1 designation upon releasing Mathieu.
The Cardinals have already confirmed the move. Here’s a statement from GM Steve Keim:
“I’ve never made a secret that Tyrann has always had a special place in my heart and always will. While we all understand this a part of the business, that certainly doesn’t make it any easier. We all wish Tyrann nothing but continued success in his career and beyond.”
Mathieu tells Ian Rapoport: “I’m ready for the new challenge! Ready to take my spot as top DB. Fresh starts are good!”
The Cardinals approached Mathieu about a large pay cut in recent weeks, but it appears as though the two parties felt that this was the best move for them in the end.
Mathieu, 25, is a former third-round pick of the Cardinals back in 2013. He was entering the third year of his five-year, $64.1 million contract that included $35 million guaranteed and set to make base salaries of $4.75 million and $5.75 million over the next two years of his contract.
According to OverTheCap.com, releasing Mathieu will free up $4.8 million of available cap space while creating $9.3 million in dead money.
In 2017, Mathieu appeared in all 16 games and recorded 78 tackles, a sack, two interceptions, a forced fumble and seven pass defenses. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 61 cornerback out of 120 qualifying players.
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