The Arizona Cardinals selected Bethel with the 177th overall choice in the 2012 NFL Draft, which marked the beginning of his NFL career.
Due to his contributions in the kicking game, the rookie was able to join the team’s 53-man roster despite being drafted and switching from safety to cornerback.
These contributions would lay the groundwork for Bethel’s prosperous career in Arizona, where he played a total of 99 games and twice earned first-team All-Pro honors.
The Presbyterian product also gained more playing time on the defensive side of the ball along the way. He played as the third cornerback for the Cardinals from 2015 to 2017, recording four interceptions, three of which were returned for scores, and three fumble recoveries.
But as a free agent in 2018, Bethel chose not to join the Cardinals despite his accomplishments as a cornerback. Instead, before moving to New England in 2019, he played for the Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens.
Bethel and the Patriots came to an agreement on a three-year deal for up to $6 million.
Bethel will cost the organization $1.93 million in salary budget space for the next 2021 campaign: his salary ($1.2 million) and signing bonus proration ($333,333) are completely guaranteed, while his in-game roster bonuses ($400,000) are anticipated to be earned.
Trading him this year would only allow New England to reduce their cap expenditures, but that is not going to happen.
How Much Does Justin Bethel Make?
Justin Bethel makes an average of $2,000,000 per year. Bethel’s base salary in 2022 will be $1,300,000, and his roster bonus will be $400,000. His cap hit will be $2,033,333.