If the K.C. Chiefs are willing to make it happen, star safety Tyrann Mathieu would love to stay in Kansas City for the rest of his professional football playing career.
During a media session with team reporters on Monday, Mathieu was asked about his future, and while he says he remains focused on the present, he would “love” to remain in place for as long as it works out.
“I would love to spend the rest of my time in Kansas City,” said Mathieu. “Like I said, everybody’s embraced me here. It reminds me so much of a football town. I think, for me, that’s everything, just waking up, seeing the family, and then going to play football … I try not to get into it. I try to let people who work for me handle that. But obviously you want to be locked in long-term … I try to put in enough work today that things like that are going to take care of themselves.”
With the 2021 season looming, Mathieu is heading into the final year of his current three-year contract, which means it’s time to discuss an extension. The Chiefs have made no secret of their desire to bring back Mathieu, and a contract extension has been expected for some time. The offseason is long and there’s no rush to get something done in the interim, but the front office and Mathieu’s agents have likely laid out some sort of framework.
Mathieu has been nothing short of sensational since he first signed with the Chiefs before the 2019 season. His addition helped pivot the team’s defense away from the Bob Sutton years toward instant success under Steve Spagnuolo, including a Super Bowl win in his first year in K.C.
Last year, Mathieu had 62 tackles and 6 interceptions and was named First Team All-Pro for the second consecutive season. He also made his second Pro Bowl ever.