Arizona Cardinals secure Justin Bethel for three more years

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Justin Bethel has seen more action this season, his fourth in the NFL

When cornerback Justin Bethel was drafted out of Presbyterian in 2012, not many around Arizona knew who he was.  Thanks to the Arizona Cardinals and his work on special teams, we quickly found out what Justin Bethel was all about.

On Saturday it was reported that Bethel and the Cardinals agreed on a three-year, $15 million contract extension.  It is a contract well deserved and secures his services for another three years at least.

Bethel quickly endeared himself to Cardinals fans by blocking a kick in his first professional game, the Hall of Fame game against the New Orleans Saints in the 2012 preseason.  From there he has been one of the most hard working men on special teams.

Playing only as a backup corner for his first three seasons in the NFL, he got his first start this season in 2015.  So far it has only been one start because of the talent in front of him but he has certainly seen more time at corner thanks to the departure of Antonio Cromartie.

Bethel got his first interception of his career this season against the San Francisco 49ers.  He made the most of that interception as well.  He returned it 21 yards for his first NFL touchdown.  It was part of a 47-7 whipping of the 49ers.  He also has forced two fumbles and recovered two fumbles for the Cardinals this season.

Bethel is always around the ball on special teams.  He blocks kicks, he’s been able to down balls deep in opponent territory on punts, and his name seems to get called a lot in on tackles.

Eventually Bethel will be a full-time starter I believe and he could be looking at another extension in a couple of years.  For now let’s just be thankful he is a member of Birdgang.