Former Kansas City Chiefs player Tyrann Mathieu has joined the New Orleans Saints, as reported by Adam Schefter. This signing has been significant during the offseason, considering Mathieu’s impressive performance. 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 according to ESPN has been tied for fifth overall with 13 interceptions over the past three seasons. Despite this impressive feat the Pro Bowl safety finds himself on his third team in six years. It is worth noting that Mathieu expressed a desire to remain with the Chiefs. Nevertheless it appears that the Chiefs made a decision to move forward by signing Justin Reid to a three year deal worth $31.5 million during free agency.
In his nine-season career with the Chiefs, Texans, and Cardinals, Mathieu has achieved 26 interceptions, 76 pass defenses, 610 tackles, and 10 sacks.
