Tyrann Mathieu addresses potentially signing with Saints

Former Kansas City Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu turned heads on Tuesday with his first free agency visit to the New Orleans Saints facility. The former LSU Tigers star is a New Orleans native and very familiar with the organization, but he’s also looking for a contract worthy of his veteran experience.

Though nothing appears imminent, Mathieu told local reporters that it would be a “great opportunity” to play for new head coach Dennis Allen.

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

Among Mathieu’s criteria for his next squad is finding a team on the verge of reaching the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl LIV winner and three-time Pro Bowler humbly suggested that the Saints defense might not need his services.

“I have a great relationship with Cam Jordan, Marshon Lattimore,” Mathieu said. “The list goes on and on. Any time I see the Saints play defense, I always tap myself on the shoulder and say, ‘Hey, I could probably roll with those guys.’ Those guys have done a great thing. The last couple of years, they’ve been like top five in defense. I don’t think they really need me, but it would be good to go back home and help them win.”

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

NFL insider reveals why Mathieu is still available

Tyrann 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 – where it lost to the Cincinnati Bengals.

The NFL safety and LSU legend is holding out for what he believes his talent is worth in 2022. NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared that 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.”

A former On3 Consensus four-star recruit out of the Class of 2010, Mathieu tallied 213 tackles and 13 interceptions over three seasons with the Chiefs. The 2021-22 season was his ninth in the NFL. He was with the Arizona Cardinals from 2013-2017 and Houston Texans in 2018.