Chiefs Best Free Agent Pickups In The Andy Reid Era

KC Chiefs’ best free-agent deals during the Andy Reid era: SS Tyrann Mathieu

2019 (Three years/$42 million)

The Tyrann Mathieu signing is one of the rare high profile free agent pickups during the Andy Reid era and he certainly did not disappoint. The Honey Badger coming to the Kingdom was a clear sign that the defense needed an attitude adjustment after the 2018 campaign. Even though the Chiefs made it within inches of making their first Super Bowl berth since 1970, the Bob Sutton-led defense was arguably the worst in the NFL. Kansas City brought in Steve Spagnuolo to run the scheme and Mathieu was brought in to be the heart and voice.

Mathieu turned the defense around immediately upon his arrival. The pass defense jumped from second-to-last in the NFL to eighth in his first season in Kansas City and there was a renewed edge that permeated to Mathieu’s teammates. This attitude was the missing piece the Chiefs’ defense needed to get over the hump and achieve their first Super Bowl win during the Andy Reid era.

Mathieu went on to two first-team All-Pros, two Pro Bowls, and two Super Bowl appearances during his three years as a Chief. In his 47 regular season starts, Mathieu amassed 213 tackles, 25 passes defended, 13 interceptions, and two pick-sixes. He also started nine playoff games and picked up 40 tackles, four passes defended, and an interception. As far as big swings go, the Tyrann Mathieu signing was one of the biggest since Coach Reid came to town and they hit it out of the park.