Former Kansas City Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu has recently signed a deal with the New Orleans Saints, reported by Adam Schefter. This was one of the bigger signings throughout this offseason, due to Mathieu’s level of production. Mathieu has been a star since his college days at LSU, where essentially, he returns to by joining the Saints. He signed a three-year, $33 million deal with $18 million guaranteed. While these are the agreed-on terms, they have yet to be put into writing, according to sources.
Mathieu didn’t re-sign with the Chiefs and he met with several teams throughout the offseason. However, the need for safety by the Saints seems urgent. The deal Mathieu will eventually sign shows how invested they were in Mathieu’s production on the field. The Saints also had an opportunity to sign a safety during the NFL draft, yet, they decided to move forward with the veteran safety.
The Business Behind the Game
Any free agents who signed after Monday wouldn’t factor into the NFL’s compensatory draft pick. This means it may potentially raise the stock of anyone other big-name free agent who remains to be unsigned. Many believe while it’s been silent for the veteran LB Dont’a Hightower the week after the draft many teams will show more interest and eventually sign him.
The Saints lost two of their big playmaking safeties this offseason. Future Hall of Famer Malcolm Jenkins retired and star safety Marcus Williams signed with the Baltimore Ravens. They attempted to plug in a great fit, former New York Jets safety Marcus Maye; however, he’s no star. Mathieu and Maye both bring different aspects than both of their former safeties. They both tend to be hybrid kinds of safeties that allow help in the run game, as well as, in the passing game.
The Chiefs move on from Tyrann Mathieu
Mathieu was tied for fifth overall with 13 interceptions over the past three seasons, according to ESPN. The Pro Bowl safety will be on his third team in six years; however, he wanted to stay with the Chiefs. They seemingly moved on when they signed Justin Reid to a three-year, $31.5 million contract in free agency.
Mathieu has recorded 26 interceptions, 76 pass defenses, 610 tackles, and 10 sacks in nine seasons for the Chiefs, Houston Texans, and Arizona Cardinals.
