Report: Cardinals offer S Tony Jefferson the low RFA tender

One of the free agent situations the Arizona Cardinals need to figure out may have taken its first step toward clearing up Wednesday.

I'm told the Cardinals gave @TonyJefferson1 the low tender. He can now test the market. Played well last year. Will generate interest.

— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) March 2, 2016

The “low tender” is a one-year contract for $1.67 million. Should Jefferson sign a deal with a different team, the Cardinals will have the right to match it and keep the safety. Had they placed one of the higher tenders on Jefferson, Arizona could have been set to receive draft pick compensation had the player moved on.

https://twitter.com/tonyjefferson1/status/705165825280331776

One team to watch with Tony Jefferson now that the #AZCardinals have placed the low tender on him? The #Texans. Looking for help at safety.

— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) March 2, 2016

Formerly an undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma, Jefferson took a big step forward last season, which was his third in the NFL. He appeared in all 16 regular season games, tallying 75 total tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, five passes defensed, three forced fumbles and four special teams tackles. He was also credited for 19 tackles and two passes defensed in the Cardinals’ two playoff games.

While the Cardinals would probably like to bring the 24-year-old back, safety is a position of exceptional depth for the team, which also has to make a decision on free agent Rashad Johnson.

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