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Report: Mathieu declined more money from Cardinals before signing with Texans

Christian Petersen / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Tyrann Mathieu said it wasn't all about the money - evidently, he wasn't joking.

A source told the Arizona Republic's Kent Somers that the Arizona Cardinals were willing to pay Mathieu $8 million in 2018. The defensive back rejected the offer and accepted a one-year deal from the Houston Texans worth $6.5 million, with up to $500,000 in incentives if he plays in all 16 games.

There isn't a substantial difference between the two figures, but more often than not, NFL players try to obtain the most lucrative deal in free agency.

Mathieu reportedly wanted to sign with a team that values defensive football, and apparently found a fit in Texans DC Romeo Crennel's scheme.

Still just 25 years old, the former third-round selection adds a versatile chess piece to a talented Houston defense.

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