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Arizona Cardinals: 20 players on bubble for 2018

By Scott Allen

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals throws a pass during the first half of the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals throws a pass during the first half of the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 03: Tight end Derek Carrier #86 of the Los Angeles Rams runs past free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 03: Tight end Derek Carrier #86 of the Los Angeles Rams runs past free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Tyrann Mathieu

The biggest bubble on the Cardinals roster may be Tyrann Mathieu.  His play has been pretty inconsistent since returning from an ACL injury that occurred two years ago now.

At times in 2017 he has looked like the Honey Badger of old.  His numbers in 2017 certainly have eclipsed those of 2016.  He has 66 tackles, two interceptions, and seven passes defensed so far this season.

With those numbers many teams would be alright with that.  What do the Cardinals think?  There haven’t been a lot of comments other than for the most part the team believes he is starting to show his old self again.

The real issue here is money.  At his current salary though, he can’t stay.  He will be a $14,100,000 cap hit in 2018. between salary and bonuses.

If the Cardinals can convince him to possibly take a pay cut, then seeing him in a Cardinals uniform in 2018 is plausible.  It could come down to another Calais Campbell situation though.  Do they pay him or someone else they desperately need?

Certainly Bruce Arians and Steve Keim like Mathieu.  They want him to succeed in Arizona but at their paying price.  They may play let’s make a deal.

Return in 2018 prediction: Yes

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