Report: All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu closing in on signing contract, finds new NFL home

Get the parade floats ready. Former Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu is reportedly heading home to the New Orleans Saints following the culmination of the 2022 NFL Draft. The Saints and the former LSU star are finalizing an agreement that will bring Mathieu back to his home state of Louisiana, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

Mathieu’s first visit in the free agency window was to New Orleans. At the time, the safety suggested that the team might not need him. He’s been looking for a new home that’s willing to pay him what he believes he’s worth given his resume and experience.

“The Honey Badger visited the #Saints and did a zoom with the #Eagles, but New Orleans was always the leader in the clubhouse,” Rapoport tweeted. “In the coming days, this should be finalized. A homecoming.”

This offseason, the Saints lost safety Marcus Williams in free agency and safety Malcolm Jenkins to retirement and signed former Florida Gator Marcus Maye to a three-year deal.

Mathieu’s homecoming comes together

Tyrann Mathieu put together a strong year for the Chiefs in 2021. He made 76 total tackles, three interceptions, three fumble recoveries, and a sack. He led the defense in tackles and interceptions. As a captain, he helped lead Kansas City to the AFC championship game – where it lost to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Mathieu, who turns 30 this year, signed a three-year, $42 million deal with Kansas City in 2019.  Although he expressed interest in staying with the Chiefs, the organization had other considerations this offseason.

A former On3 Consensus four-star recruit out of the Class of 2010, Mathieu tallied 213 tackles and 13 interceptions over three seasons with the Chiefs. The 2021-22 season was his ninth in the NFL. He was with the Arizona Cardinals from 2013-2017 and Houston Texans in 2018. He was a third-round pick at No. 69 overall after an All-American career with the LSU Tigers.

Tyrann Mathieu’s return to New Orleans brings him much closer to his alma mater as well. He’s been a frequent visitor in Baton Rouge since his departure from the program. Mathieu has also put in work to help the Brian Kelly era get off on the right track.