Mathieu says Cardinals asked him to take a pay cut

Arizona Cardinals defensive back Tyrann Mathieu told NFL Network's Gregg Rosenthal that the organization has asked him to take a pay cut.

Mathieu is under contract through 2021, but many believe he could be released ahead of free agency. Last week, he tweeted that he was uncertain of his status with the Cardinals.

The 25-year-old indicated to Rosenthal that he could be open to some type of contract restructure, but not a pay cut.

" ... taking money out of my pocket. I don't like how that feels," Mathieu said.

Mathieu was a leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year in 2015 before tearing his ACL, and signed a five-year, $62.5-million extension with Arizona in August 2016. He's guaranteed $19 million over the next two seasons if he remains on the roster after March 14.

During the 2017 season, Mathieu played in all 16 games, recording 78 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and two interceptions.