Arizona Cardinals pick up fifth-year option on Deone Bucannon

Since he entered the league in 2014, Deone Bucannon has been a stalwart in the Arizona Cardinals’ defense.

That will continue to be the case, at least through the 2018 season, as ProFootballTalk reported Wednesday the team picked up the fifth-year option on the $LB’s contract.

The Cardinals have since confirmed the report.

Bucannon would have become a free agent following the 2017 season if not for the move, which according to PFT means Bucannon will receive an $8.7 million salary for 2018, with the salary being guaranteed for injury.

Bucannon was the Cardinals’ first-round pick (27th overall) in 2014 out of Washington State. He entered the league as a safety, but has settled nicely into a hybrid linebacker role over the last couple seasons.

Last year, Bucannon played in 13 games (all starts) before landing on injured reserve with an ankle injury. Still, he notched 91 total tackles, which was good for the second-most on the team.

In his three-year career, the Oakland, Calif. native has 286 total tackles, five sacks, nine pass breakups, four fumble recoveries and an interception, which he returned for a touchdown.

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