Report: Cardinals, Mathieu closing in on extension to make him highest-paid safety

The Arizona Cardinals and star safety Tyrann Mathieu are reportedly closing in on a record-setting contract extension.

Even though Mathieu tore his ACL last season, the Cardinals are preparing to make him the highest-paid safety in the league and are currently in "deep" negotiations with the two-time All Pro, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The two parties could agree to a deal before the summer, notes Rapoport.

Outside of Eric Berry's franchise tag number, Earl Thomas currently holds the distinction of being the highest-paid safety in the league, earning $10 million annually.

Mathieu was arguably playing like one of the league's top defensive players before the injury in Week 15, racking up 89 total tackles, one sack, 17 passes defenses, and five picks in 14 games.

The 24-year-old is entering the final year of his rookie deal.

With cornerback Patrick Peterson locked up through the 2020 season, the Cardinals are close to keeping together their dominant secondary for the foreseeable future.