The Arizona Cardinals have come to terms with rookie Tyrann Mathieu signing the defensive back to a four-year deal worth $3.052 million, including a $662,500 signing bonus, according to NFL.com's Albert Breer.
"I never doubted it," said Mathieu. "I knew it was a long shot and it would be a process, but to finally sit down and sign my name on the dotted line means a lot to me."
Mathieu was drafted in the third round the this years draft despite off-field drug issues that caused his stock drop.
Mathieu, a 2011 Heisman Trophy finalist, was kicked off the Louisiana State University (LSU) football team in 2012 after he failed multiple drug tests for marijuana. He was arrested two months later, along with three former LSU teammates, after police found 10 bags of marijuana and drug paraphernalia in his Baton Rouge home.
Mathieu entered a drug treatment program run by former National Basketball Association player John Lucas. Mathieu also spent time with Cardinals linebacker Patrick Peterson, a former LSU teammate, who vouched for him to Arizona's front office and coaching staff, leading up to the draft.
According to Mathieu's agent, Patrick Lawlor--the "Honey Badger", as he is known to fans--the defensive back signed a deal $100,000 higher than last year's 69th pick of the draft (Buffalo wide receiver T.J. Graham).
Mathieu will not receive full payment of his contract if he is dismissed by he team or is suspended for violating the National Football League's drug policy. If he is cut from the Cardinals for performance reasons, he will receive the full sum.
The contract was also structured to provide annual incentives to Mathieu if he stays out of trouble and plays well, in the form of annual guaranteed roster bonuses, if he stays on the team on specified dates.
In addition, the Cardinals added workout bonuses designed to keep out of Baton Rouge - where Mathieu's drug offenses have occurred, and closer to Arizona, in hopes of keeping him out trouble.
"Tyrann's doing really well and the team is really happy with him so far. He's done exceptionally well at the OTAs," said Lawlor. "[The Cardinals] had needs and so did we and there's a deal in place all sides are happy with."
In two seasons at LSU, Mathieu recovered eight fumbles, returning two for touchdowns, forced 11 fumbles, made four interceptions and 133 tackles along with six sacks. He returned two punts for score.
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