Tyrann Mathieu on move to New Orleans: 'It's most definitely a dream'

Tyrann Mathieu is home. It’s a dream come true for the prodigal son to return to New Orleans, as the former LSU star signed with the Saints earlier this week.

After it was made official, Mathieu spoke about how suiting up for the Saints is a golden opportunity — a dream come true.

“It’s most definitely a dream,” Mathieu said of signing with the Saints, per NFL.com. “Having the opportunity to represent this team, to be a part of this locker room. I’ve always been a fan of the way the Saints play football. Just to have that opportunity, means a lot to me. More than anything I just want to take advantage of it and make the most of it.”

Moreover, Mathieu signed a three-year, $33 million deal with the Saints. While it isn’t the biggest contract of his career, he’s still averaging a top-15 salary amongst safeties.

The almost-30-year-old is coming off of a strong year for the Chiefs. 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 they lost to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Tyrann Mathieu has done some phenomenal things during his football career, but winning in New Orleans will feel different for the former LSU star. Seeing him run out of the tunnel in Saints gear for the first time will be a sight to see.

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Furthermore, 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.

Mathieu starred at LSU from 2010-11 and went to the Arizona Cardinals 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.