In 2019, Jalen Thompson moved to Arizona after being chosen in the supplementary draft for that year. The Cardinals announced on Friday that the adaptable safety will sign a contract extension after three seasons. According to NFL Media, the three-year deal will cost close to $40 million. $24 million is also guaranteed as part of the agreement.
The 24-year-old made nine starts in his first season and picked off his first pass of his career that year. After missing the most of the 2020 season due to an ankle injury, Thompson returned in 2021 and enjoyed his finest season to date. The Cardinals secured their first playoff appearance since 2015 because to Thompson, who recorded three interceptions, seven passes defensed, and 121 tackles in 17 games (12 starts).
The Jalen Thompson deal at $40 million over three years is the Mikal Bridges deal of the Cards.
Lock up the dudes you can count on before they get more expensive.
— Kevin Zimmerman (@KZimmermanAZ) September 2, 2022
Prior to switching to free safety in 2020, Thompson was categorized as a strong safety as a rookie. Along with teammate safety Budda Baker, a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro who is also under contract with the Cardinals until 2024, Thompson will remain with the team. Three seasons with a back end of the defense that is well-protected and that features a pair that we are aware of as having good on-field chemistry.
Thompson is aiming higher despite having just completed his greatest season in the league, in which he started 12 of the 17 games he played. “I’m trying to go Pro Bowl this year,” Thompson said during training camp. “Last year I feel I could’ve made it. Unfortunately I didn’t. But (goals are) making the Pro Bowl, making my team better, being a leader, and getting to a Super Bowl.”
According to Caesars Sportsbook, Arizona’s season over/under is set at 8.5 games. Last year, the Cardinals had a 7-0 start until injuries led to a 4-6 final record. Even so, Arizona was able to secure a spot in the wild card playoff round before losing to the Rams, who would eventually win the championship.
This season, the Cardinals’ secondary will be put to the test frequently, especially with Hamilton on the NFI list following a cooking accident. The team’s first three opponents during the regular season are quarterbacks Matthew Stafford, Derek Carr, and Patrick Mahomes. The remaining games on their schedule pit them against Justin Herbert, Russell Wilson, Mac Jones, Jalen Hurts, and Tom Brady.
