Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the team will decline the fifth-year option on their 2016 first-round pick.
The option would have made Nkemdiche one of the highest-paid defensive tackles in the league in 2020.
He had his best season statistically in 2018 but he was also benched in favor of Rodney Gunter. Nkemdiche tore his ACL late last year, so he is not expected to be able to play until at least midseason.
He has been one of the team’s more disappointing picks because of the talent and the lack of production.
Of course, declining the option does not necessarily mean the Cardinals will not bring him back in 2020. If he comes back from the injury and plays well, they could re-sign him next offseason.
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