Contract Talks Between Cardinals & Tyrann Mathieu Have Broken Off, Deal Still Possible This Summer

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that contract talks between the Cardinals and DB Tyrann Mathieu have broken off.

The two sides were hoping to have an extension in place with Mathieu, and there’s still a chance they could get something done by the start of training camp, according to Rapoport.

Rapoport adds that he would be surprised if Mathieu signs for any less than $11 million per year.

This fits with what Jason Cole of B/R recently reported, which is that the new five-year, $51.25 million contract signed by Viking S Harrison Smith will have a “serious ripple effect” on contract talks between the Cardinals and DB Mathieu.

Mathieu has said previously that he wants to spend the remainder of his career as a member of the Cardinals.

“We’re both eager, we’re both interested,” Mathieu said, via Mike Jurecki of Fox Sports 910. “I want to spend the rest of my career here. The biggest thing is getting my knee right, rehabbing and being ready for 2016.”

Mathieu, 24, is a former third-round pick of the Cardinals back in 2013, who has quickly become an impact player for one of the best defensive units in the NFL. He is entering the final year of his four-year, $3.052 million rookie contract that included $817,187 guaranteed and stands to make a base salary of $675,000 in 2016.

Unfortunately, Mathieu’s 2016 season was cut short after he suffered a season-ending ACL injury towards the end of the year.

In 2015, Mathieu appeared in 14 games and recorded 89 tackles, a sack, five interceptions with one being returned for a touchdown, a forced fumble and 16 pass defenses for the Cardinals. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 1 cornerback out of 111 qualifying players.

We’ll have more regarding a new contract for Mathieu as the news is available.