Most NFL teams have made their decisions regarding the fifth-year contract options of their 2017 first-round draft picks. The Arizona Cardinals have not, at least publicly.
They have until Monday to exercise the team’s option for a fifth year on linebacker Haason Reddick’s contract. Reddick, scheduled to make $2.3 million in fully guaranteed salary and will count $4.3 million against the salary cap, has largely been a disappointment.
Drafted 13th overall in 2017, he was projected to become an off-the-ball linebacker after playing defensive end in college at Temple. He struggled with the nuances and instincts of playing as a linebacker in space. He also changed positions multiple times.
As a rookie, he began as a 3-4 inside linebacker. He was forced to outside linebacker when Markus Golden tore his ACL in 2017. In 2018, in Steve Wilks’ 4-3 defense, Reddick moved to outside linebacker, an off-the-ball position, where he struggled most of the season.
In 2019, he moved back to 3-4 inside linebacker under defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. Joe Walker took the starting job away in the base defense and then all Reddick’s playing time. Reddick was moved to the pass-rushing outside linebacker position, where he is now.
If the Cardinals exercise Reddick’s contract option, he will make $10.1 million in 2021.
It is unlikely they exercise the option. They already have Chandler Jones and Devon Kennard as starters at outside linebacker. They aren’t likely going to pay Reddick more than $10 million to be a backup edge rusher.
Only two Cardinals first-round picks since 2013 have had their fifth-year option exercised. Deone Bucannon, drafted in 2014, and D.J. Humphries, drafted in 2015 played through the option year.
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Ep. 266
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Ep.265
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