Tyrann Mathieu draws interest from Chiefs, Texans

The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly interested in Houston Texans safety Tyrann Mathieu as free agency is set to begin.

The Kansas City Chiefs have been listed as one of the potentially interested teams in free agent safety Tyrann Mathieu, per NFL reporter Aaron Wilson.

Mathieu is one of the best overall safeties available in free agency, which means he’s likely to draw a high price tag on the open market. That alone could keep the Chiefs on the back burner, given their current cap space, but further moves could enable the financial picture to open up and allow the team to make a real pitch for Mathieu’s services.

Right now, the Houston Texans would likely be considered the favorites. Mathieu signed with Houston last offseason as a free agent and he’s expressed an interest in returning. The Texans also want him back and a report from Albert Breer says the Texans have already made a long-term offer worth $9.5 million per season.

Right now, the Chiefs could use some depth and overall talent at safety given the current roster constraints. Eric Berry is still dealing with injury concerns that have largely kept him off the field for the last two years. Armani Watts is coming off of a season-ending injury. Dan Sorensen is getting more expensive yet remains on the roster. Jordan Lucas and Eric Murray are also around as backups and special teams players.

Mathieu had 89 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions in 16 starts for the Texans last year. Despite injury concerns earlier in his career, Mathieu has started every game for the last two seasons for the Cardinals and Texans and is still only 26-years-old.