Tyrann Mathieu’s five year Arizona Cardinals career is over today after the organization released him. Affectionately known as the Honey Badger, Mathieu became a fan favorite after his story of redemption led to him becoming one of the highest paid safeties in the league. After suffering a his second torn ACL in 2015, Mathieu struggled to regain the form that made him one of the NFL’s most disruptive defenders.
The Cardinals, with limited cap space, will free up as much as $11-million dollars under the salary cap with the move.
Arizona Cardinals GM Steve Keim issued the following statement: “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 was drafted by the Cardinals in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, appeared in 66 regular season games the past five seasons with Arizona and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2015.