Former Kansas City Chiefs star Tyrann Mathieu makes first stop of free agency

Former Kansas City Chiefs star safety Tyrann Mathieu is back home in New Orleans, but it’s not just for some offseason downtime. On top of making himself familiar with the new LSU staff while in Louisiana, the free agent is also making his first NFL facilities visit since leaving Kansas City. Mathieu met with the hometown New Orleans Saints on Tuesday, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Although Rapoport also shared that there’s no imminent deal in the works with the Saints, it is notable that the former LSU Tiger is visiting. The Saints lost Marcus Williams in free agency and Malcolm Jenkins to retirement, so they could use a new veteran at the position. They did already sign former Florida Gator Marcus Maye to a three-year deal, but he suffered an Achilles injury last season.

Tyrann Mathieu put together a strong year for the Chiefs this season, making 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 the former LSU star expressed interest in staying with the Chiefs, the organization had other considerations this offseason.

NFL insider reveals why Mathieu is still available

The NFL safety and LSU legend is holding out for what he believes his talent is worth in 2022. NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared that the former Tiger has received offers – but apparently none that have met expectations so far.

“Yeah, look he could have signed,” Rapoport said. “It’s, ‘Are you getting the contract you want? That you’ve earned.’ The really good ones who know their value will just hang out and wait. It doesn’t always work out, but a lot of times it does. Because if you’re a great player, you have all the leverage. You’re a great player. You just have to be patient and hang with it a little bit.”

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.