What It Means:

The talks are complicated not just by the fact that Mathieu is recovering from a torn ACL, but also that he wants to be paid like a cornerback. The Cardinals are more likely to offer safety money, despite the fact the majority of Mathieu's 2015 snaps came in the slot. Week 1 might be a more realistic deadline for a deal.

The Cardinals ranked eighth in Adjusted Defensive Passing NEP per play in 2015. Our algorithms project Mathieu for 96 total tackles, four interceptions and 13 passes defensed in 2016. He's our top projected defensive back for Individual Defensive Player (IDP) fantasy football leagues.