Arizona Cardinals sign Jalen Thompson to a well-deserved extension
By Jim Koch
Talented safety Jalen Thompson became the third member of the Arizona Cardinals to receive a contract extension this offseason
Over the past month or so, the Arizona Cardinals signed both quarterback Kyler Murray and left tackle D.J. Humphries to lucrative contract-extensions. On Friday, the club’s front office turned their attention to locking up a player who excels on the defensive side of the ball.
Jalen Thompson, a fifth-round supplemental draft pick of the Cards back in 2019, agreed to a three-year extension. The deal will run through the 2025 NFL campaign and will pay the productive safety a cool $40 million, with $24.5 million in guarantees.
Three members of the Arizona roster have been taken care of financially this offseason, and a fourth could also be extended sometime in the near future. Like Thompson, this particular player also makes his living on defense.
Zach Allen, a third-round selection of the Redbirds three years ago, is entering the final season of his rookie contract. The 6 foot 4, 281 pounder got the organization’s attention last fall, when he racked up 48 tackles and four sacks in the 15 games he dressed for. In addition, Allen also recorded four pass breakups, an interception and a fumble recovery that he returned for a touchdown in a Week 18 clash with the Seattle Seahawks.
Jalen Thompson is progressing steadily for the Arizona Cardinals defense
Thompson is fresh off of a season in which he led the Cardinals with 121 tackles. The 5 foot 11, 190 pounder also flashed coverage-ability by tallying three interceptions and seven passes defensed in 17 appearances (12 starts) last fall.
As a rookie back in ’19, Thompson totaled 57 tackles, a pick and three pass breakups. In 2020, the former Washington State University product was credited with 19 tackles and one pass defensed in a sophomore campaign that was cut short due to an ankle injury.
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The Cards now have both of their starting safeties under contract for at least the next three campaigns. Budda Baker, a four-time Pro Bowler, has a deal in place that will keep him in the desert through the 2024 season.
(Statistics provided by Pro Football Reference)