The Cardinals are taking no chances with Honey Badger.
They are going to drug test him like he is on probation from Rikers Island and they aren’t going to give him any money. In essence, he is going to be treated like an undrafted free agent with a drug problem.
The Cardinals, one league source said earlier Sunday, will randomly drug test Mathieu as often as weekly after he signs his NFL contract — a contract, reportedly, that will not include any guaranteed money. Rather, Mathieu will earn bonus money in the form of roster bonuses, to ensure that the club is protected in the event that he lapses and the team chooses to cut him. If that happens, the Cardinals will be out a prime draft choice, but not any guaranteed money. Last year’s 69th pick, wideout T.J. Graham of the Bills, signed a four-year deal with a $671,000 bonus. For Mathieu to make that money, he’ll have to be a member of the Cardinals in good standing week to week — and clean.
Probably good for Honey Badger, he needs structure and not a lot of discretionary income to distract him.
