The Cardinals got rid of a constant thorn in the 49ers’ side.
The team announced on Wednesday it released defensive back Tyrann Mathieu, who was due a $5-million roster bonus and wouldn’t take a pay cut to stay in Arizona. He had four years remaining on a five-year, $62.5-million extension signed in August 2016.
Mathieu, 25, played all 16 games last season and should have a robust market, although it’s unlikely San Francisco would make a significant play. The “Honey Badger” would likely fit at free safety and/or slot cornerback in the 49ers’ scheme. Those positions are currently held by former first-round pick Jimmie Ward and K’Waun Williams, who signed a three-year extension last fall.
Ward is scheduled to make $8.5 million fully guaranteed on his fifth-year option in 2018. Given his lengthy injury history, the 49ers could find a way to shrink his cap number with a multi-year contract or release him altogether, which could clear a path toward adding Mathieu. But that seems unlikely.
Mathieu missed 14 games from 2013 to 2016. He was a first-team All-Pro in 2015 when he logged three of his career-high five interceptions against the 49ers. His two picks against Colin Kaepernick in a September game were crucial in a turning point in Kaepernick’s career that eventually led to him getting benched for Blaine Gabbert, beginning the spiral after signing his six year contract two summers prior. Kaepernick went on to have three surgeries and overtook Gabbert for the starting spot later in 2016.
The Cardinals earlier this week agreed to a contract with Sam Bradford that will pay him $20 million for 2018. The team entered the start of the new league year Wednesday with $22 million in cap space.
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