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First round rookie LB, Zaven Collins, has officially inked his first NFL contract.
Arizona’s first-round pick, former Tulsa LB Zaven Collins, signed his rookie four-year contract today, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 8, 2021
Collins was the 16th overall selection out of the University of Tulsa. His arrival marked the second consecutive first round pick by the Cardinals spent on an inside linebacker (Isaiah Simmons, 2020).
Collins has already ‘earned” the starting inside linebacker position (MIKE) opposite Simmons. He is replacing the incumbent Jordan Hicks, who was noticeably absent from Tuesday’s mini-camp.
Kingsbury does not expect Chandler Jones or Jordan Hicks to attend minicamp this week.
— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) June 8, 2021
The Cardinals had previously given Hicks the opportunity to seek a trade with his agent. However, no such progress has been made available at this time. The Cardinals are not oppose to having Hicks on the roster as a reserve, even with a sizeable cap hit.
The numbers on Collins’ rookie deal are not available at this time. However, the 16th overall pick in 2020, CB A.J. Terrell, agreed to a 14.3 million dollar contract this time last year. I would expect those numbers to be consistent to Collins deal.
Second round wide receiver, Rondale Moore, remains the Cardinals lone 2021 draftee that has yet to agree to his rookie deal. I would expect that to change in the coming days as mini camp continues.
UPDATE:
Just over $14 million, so whatever you want! He can afford it.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 9, 2021