Tyrann Mathieu’s mentoring role is vital for KC Chiefs

Tyrann Mathieu has said all the right things. He’s certainly done everything he can. Now, the veteran safety is waiting and wishing for a long-term contract extension from the K.C. Chiefs.

Perhaps the biggest piece left on the obvious to-do list for the Chiefs this offseason remains a long-term agreement with the team’s Pro Bowl safety. Last offseason featured myriad extensions to work out, but this year, there’s one primary player to take care of in an offseason that was more about bringing in new faces in key positions, especially in the trenches.

For their part, the Chiefs have said all the right things as well, and it’s not as if their actions defy their sentiments. Not only has everyone interviewed about the situation spoken highly of Mathieu and their longing to keep him around, but the Chiefs haven’t exactly positioned themselves for life after Mathieu.

Compared to the situation at linebacker where it looks pretty obvious that Anthony Hitchens could be out after this season, the cupboard is bare at safety if the team were to allow Mathieu to hit free agency next spring.

The Chiefs need Tyrann Mathieu as a mentor in the secondary.

Most of the discussion around Mathieu potentially leaving in a year is centered on his production for the Chiefs, and rightfully so. He’s the ultimate chess piece for Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, a hybrid defender who can play anywhere and everywhere. He’s a physical tackler with a nose for the ball, great hands, a strong closing burst, and excellent instincts.

In two seasons in K.C., he’s a two-time All-Pro with 21 passes deflected and 10 interceptions in 31 starts. He allowed a passer rating of 60.2 this past season and that was the worst total in his two seasons, showing how he shuts down any opposing quarterback who attempts to challenge his area of the field. And speaking of, there’s not a part of the field that he cannot step into, which gives the Chiefs flexibility and security.

Beyond all of that, however, is another piece of the puzzle that often goes overlooked. Mathieu is a leader of men, an all-important captain on the back of the defense who serves as an on-field coach for the others.

The Chiefs need Mathieu more than ever for this very facet of his game. Remember, this offseason, the Chiefs have gone young in the secondary—very young—in letting Bashaud Breeland walk in free agency. That leaves Charvarius Ward, L’Jarius Sneed, Deandre Baker, Rashad Fenton, BoPete Keyes, and Mike Hughes as the primary cornerbacks fighting for a spot. Between them, only one is 25 (Ward) and the rest are younger than that.

Even at safety, the Chiefs have Dan Sorensen to go with Mathieu, but there are plenty of young players around them like Armani Watts, Juan Thornhill, and new import Will Parks, who is still only 26.

Recently, Mathieu was asked what he thought of Hughes, who the Chiefs brought in from the Minnesota Vikings in a minor trade this offseason. Check out what Mathieu had to say and his role in the process of onboarding him.

"“I’m looking forward to seeing what he does in camp, but I’m going to be that guy that’s going to continue to encourage him and motivate him because I know we’re going to need him … I think it’s important for us to continue to kind of build him up, even myself,” Mathieu said. “How can I give him the confidence that he needs to go forward? So it’s all about continuing to encourage him and continuing to uplift him.”"

The Chiefs have coaches paid to play this role as well, but it’s another thing entirely when the team’s coaching staff can look out onto the field and see Mathieu encouraging a player and redirecting him on his own.

At this point, the Chiefs secondary is going to be very dependent upon the development of the players within it. There is a lot of potential in several of these young corners, and Juan Thornhill has an exciting ceiling after a full season of being healthy following an ACL tear. The coaches will do what they must, but having someone like Mathieu on the field only enhances what the team is trying to do.

Given that Mathieu is already one of the league’s elite performers in the defensive backfield, giving him a long-term contract extension makes sense from every angle—even in ways we often forget about.