Recently there have been positive water level reports – but now it’s over: The Arizona Cardinals have dismissed Safety Tyrann Mathieu shortly before the official start of the Free Agency.
The Cardinals confirmed the dismissal a few minutes after FOX reported the news. Yesterday, Tuesday, rumors were circulating that there had been rapprochements between the two sides – the Cards had called for a restructuring of the Mathieu contract including a salary cut.
The safety would have cost Arizona’s cap $14.1 million in each of the next three years. Due to the new coaching staff and the accompanying new defence, Mathieu would presumably have been given a significantly reduced role – presumably primarily as slot-cornerback. Now he has the chance to look for a team that is more suited to his versatile skills.
Cardinal boss Steve Keim said:”We all understand that this is part of the business, but it doesn’t make things any easier. We all wish tyrant nothing but continued success in his career and beyond. I have never made a secret of the fact that tyrant has a special place in my heart and will always have it.”
Mathieu already told NFL network insider Ian Rapoport via text message:”I am ready for the new challenge and ready to take my place as a top-DB. Arizona wins $4.8 million in cap space with the release, but swallows up $9 million in dead money.