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Mathieu uncertain of status with Cardinals

Christian Petersen / Getty Images Sport / Getty

It's hard to fault Arizona Cardinals defensive back Tyrann Mathieu for being confused with free agency on the horizon.

Mathieu is under contract with the Cardinals through 2021 after signing a five-year, $62.5-million extension in August 2016. The slot cornerback/safety was a leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year in 2015 before tearing his ACL.

Although Mathieu played in all 16 games during the 2017 season - after missing six games in 2016 due to injury complications - he hasn't been the All-Pro caliber player he used to be, leading some to believe he'll be released.

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported that he'd be surprised if Mathieu remained with the Cardinals for the 2018 season.

The message evidently hadn't been relayed to Mathieu, however.

Mathieu is guaranteed $19 million over the next two seasons if he remains on the roster by March 14, a figure the Cardinals are likely flinching at.

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