New Orleans Saints officially sign former LSU star Tyrann Mathieu

It’s official. Tyrann Mathieu is heading back to Louisiana.

The New Orleans Saints officially announced they signed Mathieu on Wednesday. It’s a homecoming for the “Honey Badger,” a New Orleans native who made a name for himself at LSU.

Mathieu is signing a three-year, $33 million deal with the Saints, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. He spent the last three years with the Kansas City Chiefs after starting his career with the Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans.

Mathieu starred at LSU from 2010-11 and went to Arizona as the No. 69 overall pick in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. In his nine-year NFL career, he has 26 interceptions — including three pick-sixes — and six fumble recoveries.

Out of high school, Mathieu was a four-star recruit and the No. 6 recruit from the state of Louisiana from the Class of 2010, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

What Tyrann Mathieu brings to the New Orleans Saints

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.

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.

On3’s Nikki Chavanelle contributed to this report.