Now that the distractions of the 2022 NFL Draft are behind them, NFL reporter Adam Schefter says that the New Orleans Saints are turning their attention back to the free-agent market. Specifically, they’re picking up the conversation where they last left things with safety Tyrann Mathieu.
The Saints showed interest in Mathieu before the draft, but just how much was uncertain. Reports stated that Mathieu was visiting the team’s facilities but it’s also true that Mathieu is from New Orleans and the terminology used for sources made things feel a bit less formal than a typical free-agent visit, In the end, Mathieu remained a free agent.
From there, the Philadelphia Eagles also showed interest via a virtual interview with Mathieu which meant that the veteran safety could have multiple suitors after all. It’s been a bit of a shock this offseason to see the market fail to appear for Mathieu when available knowing what he’s meant to Kansas City in the last three years.
Former Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu has renewed talks with the New Orleans Saints following the 2022 NFL Draft.
Mathieu comes with two Pro Bowl appearances and two All-Pro honors in the last three seasons for Kansas City. He also has a Super Bowl and another appearance to go with his widely-celebrated intelligence, instincts, and leadership. In short, Mathieu is a coach’s dream on and off the field, and his effect on the Chiefs should have been an instant selling point.
The Chiefs moved on in free agency very quickly by signing former Houston Texans safety Justin Reid to a three-year deal once the new league year began in mid-March. They also added two more safeties in the draft to go with veteran Deon Bush from the Chicago Bears, who also signed in free agency.
Mathieu had 76 tackles and 3 interceptions last season for the Chiefs in 16 starts.