Flying Around the Web: Morning Links, News From Around the Internet
By Baily Deeter
May 10, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Tyrann Mathieu (32) signals during a drill during rookie minicamp at the Cardinals Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Good morning, folks, and Happy Sunday! Here’s the latest from Cardinal nation.
The flip of the calendar benefits the Cardinals, and not just because we’re closer to Week 1. The Cardinals added $3 million in salary cap space, according to Revenge of the Birds. Arizona is now more than $11 million under the salary cap, so they have some cap space.
This money was pushed back into the 2014 league year, and it came as a result of the release of Adam Snyder. The Cardinals have already added 46 players this offseason, but they could even make more moves with this extra cash.
A lot of people may be surprised at how cheap Tyrann Mathieu’s deal is, but the Cardinals had good reason. According to azcentral.com, the Cardinals aren’t giving the star cornerback a hefty signing bonus. In fact, he’s not even close to earning $1 million per year. Mathieu’s contract is worth $3.052 million, and it last four years.
If Mathieu stays out of trouble and performs, he’ll cash in. He’s not cashing in now, but he will.
Daryl Washington is missing four games, but he will still make an impact. The middle linebacker, who registered 134 tackles in 2012, is expected to finish 2013 with 96 tackles and 7.5 sacks. Shaun Church of Yahoo Sports predicted stats for the Cardinals’ middle linebackers, and he expects Karlos Dansby to lead the group with 107 tackles.
Church expects Alex Okafor to step up with 59 tackles and 4.5 sacks, and he expects Sam Acho and O’Brien Schofield to combine for 95 tackles. If Church is right, the Cardinals’ linebackers will step up and lead a talented defense.