Ranking the KC Chiefs’ most impactful additions from 2019

1. Tyrann Mathieu

Tyrann Mathieu was everything that the Chiefs organization wanted when they signed him to a three-year contract last offseason. It’s not easy to come into a new locker room and take over as a leader of the defense. Mathieu did just that in his first season, suiting up in Kansas City.

Mathieu led the team in defensive snaps with 1,095 (97.8%). He was utilized in just about every way imaginable throughout the 2019 season lining up in the box, deep, in the slot, and blitzing off of the edge. If there was a weakness being exploited, Spagnuolo trusted Mathieu to move to that area.

Not only did Mathieu bring versatility and playmaking ability to the defense, but he brought leadership and accountability. The Chiefs’ defense lacked that accountability and discipline over the past couple of seasons, but Mathieu let his teammates know when he was unhappy with their play. One of the highlights of the Super Bowl victory was Mathieu yelling on the sideline in the third quarter just before the momentum shifted.

Mathieu finished the 2019 season with a first-team All-Pro selection. He accounted for 75 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 quarterback hits, led the team with 4 interceptions and 12 pass breakups. If there’s one player that made the biggest impact on the defense, it’s the Honey Badger.