The Arizona Cardinals have locked up one of their impending free agents.
The team signed cornerback and special teams ace Justin Bethel to a three-year extension Saturday.
Justin Bethel, a special teams Pro Bowler each of last 2 yrs, signs 3-yr extension w Cards. pic.twitter.com/hfviJLROWA
— Mark Dalton (@CardsMarkD) December 5, 2015
Bethel, a sixth-round pick out of Presbyterian in 2012, was in the final year of his rookie contract. His new deal is worth $15 million and includes $9 million in guarantees and another $1.8 million in incentives, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
The 25-year-old has proven to be a reliable presence for the Cardinals, appearing in every game during his four seasons and recently filling in for injured starter Jerraud Powers. He has 18 tackles, five passes defensed, and an interception this season.
With Bethel's contract situation sorted out, the Cardinals must now turn their attention to several other members of their secondary set to hit free agency, including Powers and safeties Rashad Johnson and Tony Jefferson.