KC Chiefs leave door open for Tyrann Mathieu reunion (slightly)

At this point in the offseason, two things are true about Tyrann Mathieu in free agency. One, it’s amazing that he is somehow still available on the open market. Two, it’s starting to sound like a broken record to ask the questions of a potential reunion between the star safety and his former team, the Kansas City Chiefs.

Late last week, general manager Brett Veach spoke with reporters covering the team about a number of subjects—largely about the upcoming NFL Draft—but the subject of Mathieu’s free agency arose and Veach says he and the organization have left the door open, even if it’s still an unlikely development.

On Friday, Veach stated, “I think anything’s on the table… he’s a player that we know we love. And if there’s a situation that, you know, makes sense for him, you know, it’s all about him. Now, certainly, we wouldn’t close the door to that because of the way we feel about him.”

The Kansas City Chiefs are leaving the door slightly ajar for Tyrann Mathieu to return to the roster, per comments from GM Brett Veach.

At this stage in the offseason, the idea of bringing back Mathieu feels like a mixed bag. On the one hand, clearly, Mathieu is still an above-average defender who also happens to be a passionate team leader who would add plenty of intangibles as well as solid production to a safety unit that shouldn’t turn down such a player. He’s a known quantity and his teammates would certainly be thrilled to see him back at Arrowhead.

At the same time, Justin Reid was signed to a big deal in order to replace Mathieu, so the Chiefs have technically already put in the work to replace him. Deon Bush was also signed to a smaller free-agent deal to take over for Dan Sorensen, and it would also not surprise anyone if a rookie was drafted to compete for some important reps as well. Does it make sense to bring back Mathieu when that money could be used at another position? And what sort of financial demands would Mathieu still need?

At this point, it feels like a long shot even though Veach still speaks highly of Mathieu and states that he’s still open to the idea. Mathieu has visited the New Orleans Saints and held a virtual meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles so far, and after the draft, more teams are going to come calling. Mathieu should find a home sooner than later and other teams are likely going to have more money and opportunity to offer.