Tyrann Mathieu contract named KC Chiefs biggest offseason priority

At this stage, the K.C. Chiefs have largely wrapped up the bulk of the work of roster reshaping for the 2021 NFL season. That’s not to say that the Chiefs are done looking at players or thinking about ways to address any further needs. That’s silly, since there’s still a few months before training camp even gets started. However, when it comes to the main areas of attention for Kansas City, Marc Sessler of NFL.com believes the team should be focused on the future.

In his latest column glancing around at the biggest offseason priorities for each AFC team, Sessler says that coming to terms on a long-term contract extension for Tyrann Mathieu should be the primary goal. The team’s star safety is entering a contract year and stands to make another big payday next offseason if he’s allowed to hit free agency. If you ask the average fan in Chiefs Kingdom, you’re likely to get an enthusiastic thumbs up to that notion.

At this point, there are concerns for the present at multiple positions. Defensive end lacks a proven pass rusher opposite Frank Clark. Wide receiver hasn’t been addressed like some fans would want in the wake of Sammy Watkins‘ departure. Cornerback has a lot of unproven youth. However, the Chiefs have options at each of those positions and could easily make moves to strengthen the depth chart with a signing here or there—think Melvin Ingram at pass rusher or Bashaud Breeland at corner.

The biggest concerns for the Chiefs would undoubtedly be the need for some long-term contracts to be worked out and Sessler is right here. Orlando Brown is the other name that comes to mind, but the Chiefs can play that one slower than some fans might realize, given the franchise tag that gives K.C. all the leverage. When it comes to Mathieu, the player has plenty of leverage and the Chiefs are going to have to decide what they want to pay to a player who will be nearing 30 years of age.

K.C. Chiefs biggest offseason priority is to lock up Tyrann Mathieu.

Not that anyone should hold his age against Mathieu at this point. The All-Pro defensive back is a driven leader who brings out the best in his teammates and keeps the secondary in line at all times. He’s the key to the team’s pass defense, and it’s hard to think where the team would be without him in the defensive backfield.

Mathieu recently posted and then deleted a tweet that stated he doubted a deal would get done, but both sides have said all the right things in the past and the need is definitely there. In fact, it’s so obvious that Sessler points to it and identifies it as “most important.” Here’s hoping the Chiefs are able to come to terms sometime soon with a player who should finish his career in red and gold.