Report: Familiar team expected to ramp up post-draft interest in Tyrann Mathieu

Could the NFL world be preparing for a Honey Badger homecoming? According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, star free agent safety Tyrann Mathieu is expected to be heavily courted by the New Orleans Saints following the 2022 NFL Draft.

“After failing to land a safety during the draft, the Saints now are expected to re-visit their talks with free-agent Pro-Bowl safety Tyrann Mathieu and make an aggressive push to try to add him to their roster, per sources,” tweeted Schefter. “Mathieu was born and raised in New Orleans.”

The three-time First-team All-Pro is from New Orleans, and played his college football at LSU. Mathieu has always put on for his hometown, and a return to the city he first made his name known would be a tremendous story.

Last season, Mathieu put together a strong year for the Chiefs, 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.

While nothing is set in stone, the former LSU star was complimentary of the Saints in an interview with The Advocate earlier this year, praising new head coach Dennis Allen.

“First and foremost, it’s a great opportunity with Dennis Allen stepping into the lead position,” Mathieu stated. “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.”

Evidently, there’s interest from both sides in a Tyrann Mathieu homecoming. Get the Honey Badger float ready for Mardi Gras — the prodigal son could be on his way back to the Big Easy.