Three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Justin Bethel announced his retirement from professional football on Wednesday after spending 12 seasons in the NFL for the Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens. Bethel was originally selected in the sixth round by the Cardinals in 2012 out of Presbyterian. The first six years of his NFL came in the desert, where Bethel was named to all three of his Pro Bowls in a three-year span from 2013-15. The 34-year-old veteran didn't play a single game in 2024 and had only 19 tackles (15 solo), half a sack and one pass breakup in 17 games (one start) for the Dolphins in 2023. Bethel wraps up his 12-year NFL career with 282 total tackles (235 solo), half a sack, five interceptions (three returned for touchdowns), 25 pass breakups, five forced fumbles and eight fumble recoveries in 193 games (15 starts).
The Dolphins have re-signed cornerback Justin Bethel, the team announced on Friday. The 32-year-old has totaled 263 tackles, nine forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries, and five picks in 176 games. However, he's been the most potent on special teams during his career, earning three Pro Bowl trips because of his success in that area. That said, his individual statistical contributions should remain limited, so IDP managers won't benefit much by adding him to the roster.
The New England Patriots agreed to a three-year, $6 million deal with special teams ace and cornerback Justin Bethel on Friday, according to league sources. The deal includes $2.75 million in guarantees and some Pro Bowl incentives. The 30-year-old was set to become an unrestricted free agent, but his preference was to stay in New England, where he signed as a free agent in 2019. He led the team with 14 special teams tackles in 2020 (13 solo), and he paired well with long-time Pro Bowler Matthew Slater. The two played a big part in the Patriots No. 1 overall special teams ranking last year. Bethel, a three-time Pro Bowler, was a sixth-round pick of the Cardinals in 2012 out of Presbyterian.
Free agent cornerback Justin Bethel signed to a one-year contract with the Falcons, according to Kelsey Conway of AtlantaFalcons.com. Bethel struggled mightily on defense last season, but was a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro on special teams during his six-year run with the Cardinals. He will serve as depth behind starters Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford.
Justin Bethel
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Cardinals
