Arizona Cardinals Roster News: Justin Bethel Agrees to Three-Year Extension
The Arizona Cardinals made a major roster move on Saturday by signing cornerback Justin Bethel to a three-year extension worth $15 million; but not only that, the same deal comes with a $9 million guarantee. Bethel is worthy of the deal, though, having made the Pro Bowl as a special teams player for the second consecutive year.
The sixth-round draft pick in 2012 didn't have a difficult time becoming one of the best as a special teams player. However, he did meet some challenges as soon as he was assigned to play cornerback in the pro league.
Several pro scouts took notice of the 25-year-old special teamer after a remarkable performance during the East-West Shrine Game, not to mention a viral YouTube video that showed him performing a vertical leap over several boxes measuring five feet.
Bethel's agents, Fletcher Smith and Damarius Bilbo, announced the deal, adding that the cornerback is also eligible to get a $1.8 million worth of incentives.
In this stint on special teams comprising 59 games, he produced 63 tackles, as well as three blocks on field goal attempts. In playing 210 snaps on defense for this year, though, he only ranked 25th among cornerbacks.
He has built quite a reputation in playing for special teams, but the Cardinals are hoping that he'll increase his productivity at cornerback. He's going to get his chance, though, after the injury of Jerraud Powers, who is going to miss some games due to a calf strain.
So far this season, he allowed 136 receiving yards with 38 after the catch, coupled with a single touchdown.
Cardinals team president Michael Bidwill said that giving Bethel the extension is based upon the hope that the former special teamer will be able to elevate his skills to a higher level. Obviously, he needs to show his worth since the franchise is known to hand out rewards to players who make the most out of the opportunity. Just ask Patrick Peterson and Calais Campbell.
