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Arizona Cardinals: 5 players better off without

By Scott Allen

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 08: Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles makes a catch for a first down against Justin Bethel #28 of the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on October 8, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 08: Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles makes a catch for a first down against Justin Bethel #28 of the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on October 8, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 24: Tight end Rhett Ellison #85 of the New York Giants avoids a tackle from free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Arizona Cardinals in the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 24: Tight end Rhett Ellison #85 of the New York Giants avoids a tackle from free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Arizona Cardinals in the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Tyrann Mathieu

I will start off by saying I love the Honey Badger.  He was great for the team and the community.  He was really great with fans and will be missed.

However it was time for a change.  Some fans were starting to turn on him and the discussion over his contract was getting old.

The Cardinals made him an offer and he refused it.  The Houston Texans stepped in and made him a very similar offer and he took it.  It was about feeling valued.

The Cardinals wanted to cut his salary.  Mathieu knew the gig was up in Arizona, especially with coach Bruce Arians, whom he was close with, retired after the 2017 season.

In the long run, this move helps both teams.  Unfortunate injuries really derailed what could have been a great career in the desert.

Still, Mathieu did provide some excitement for Cardinals fans.  He made it in life after that seemed to be in doubt after troubles off the field at LSU.  He will continue to be a success story in Houston.

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