The Kansas City Chiefs first major move of the “legal tampering” period was to sign four-year pro and former Houston Texans safety Justin Reid to a multi-year deal. The writing was already on the wall for three-year captain and All Pro Tyrann Mathieu’s exit in Kansas City, and this signing all but confirmed it.
Much has been made this offseason regarding Mathieu’s long term status with the Chiefs organization. Multiple times throughout the season Veach commented both the Chiefs and Mathieu had interest in a return, but the details had to be worked out.
Following the loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship game, Mathieu became emotional contemplating his time and future with the team. From a fan’s perspective, it seemed obvious that though both sides had some work to do they’d eventually get things worked out.
This now appears to be wishful thinking, though what’s most surprising is the news that the Chiefs front office never even made Mathieu an offer. For unreported reasons, the Chiefs seemingly found it in their best interest to move on from Mathieu. Like myself, I’m sure there are many fans wondering why.
Market demand for safeties
From the outside looking in, it seemed Mathieu believed he was the top safety on the market. His first contract with the Chiefs averaged $14 million per season, and his Spotrac “market value” currently stands at $14.8 million per year.
With the increase in market cap over the past three years since he signed, if he is in fact the top safety or even one of the top safeties in the market it makes sense he’d sign a deal averaging $15 million or more per year.
With a number of safeties signing multi-year deals this free agency period, Marcus Williams is the only safety to sign a deal close to that range averaging $14 million over five years. Williams is one full contract younger at the age of 25.
Safety seems to be a highly variable position group from free agency period to free agency period. Mathieu’s high expectations may be just one of the factors that led to the Chiefs moving on.