Cardinals' Deone Bucannon: Has fifth-year option exercised by Cardinals

The Cardinals exercised the fifth-year option on Bucannon's (ankle) contract Wednesday, Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com reports.

Analysis:

Bucannon has made quite the impact during the first three seasons of his career, holding down the fort as a hybrid inside linebacker after entering the NFL as a safety. Prior to missing the final three games of the 2016 campaign due to a high-ankle sprain, he notched 91 tackles (66 solo), four passes defended and one fumble recovery. Bucannon enters the Cardinals' offseason program with a clean bill of health and is now locked into the team's plans through the 2018 season.