Pittsburgh Steelers could be interested in signing big-name free agent if price is right

The Pittsburgh Steelers have interest in signing former Kansas City Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu this offseason – if the price is right, according to Steelers.com reporter Bob Labriola. The LSU Tigers legend is currently taking team visits and trying to find his next home, but he’s made it clear that he wants a deal worthy of his experience.

“The Steelers have an interest in signing Tyrann Mathieu, and they would have enough cap space to sign him to a two-year contract for what they believe he is worth,” Labriola responded in his Asked and Answered podcast. “The issue is whether Mathieu agrees with the Steelers’ assessment about what he is worth.”

Mathieu put together a strong year for the Chiefs this season, making 76 total tackles, three interceptions, three fumble recoveries, and a sack. He led the defense in tackles and interceptions. As a captain, he helped lead Kansas City to the AFC championship game before ultimately losing to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Mathieu, who turns 30 this year, signed a three-year, $42 million deal with Kansas City in 2019. Although he expressed interest in staying with the Chiefs, the organization had other considerations this offseason.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport believes the former Tiger has received offers – but apparently none that have met expectations so far.

“Yeah, look he could have signed,” Rapoport said. “It’s, ‘Are you getting the contract you want? That you’ve earned.’ The really good ones who know their value will just hang out and wait. It doesn’t always work out, but a lot of times it does. Because if you’re a great player, you have all the leverage. You’re a great player. You just have to be patient and hang with it a little bit.”

The Steelers have almost $15 million in cap space for the 2022 season, which is 13th in the league.

NFL insider reveals second team visit for Mathieu

Current free agent safety Tyrann Mathieu completed a virtual visit with the Philadelphia Eagles last week. The Eagles have emerged as a prime location for the Pro Bowl-level defender, according to Ian Rapoport. Mathieu also completed a virtual visit with his home town New Orleans Saints earlier last week as well.

Regarding his visit with the Saints, Mathieu told The Advocate, “First and foremost, it’s a great opportunity with Dennis Allen stepping into the lead position. He’s a great defensive mind. I have a lot of respect for Ms. (Gayle) Benson and the kind of things she does throughout the community. It’s a team I grew up watching. Any time I get to play in front of family and friends, it obviously gives me more energy. It would be a great opportunity if that was to come.”

On3’s Barkley Truax contributed to this report.