Whilst the majority of successful NFL free agents already have settled with clubs, there is more than enough quality available. Tyrann Mathieu, who’s been a consistent menace to defensive coordinators as the Chiefs’ ending line of protection for the previous three campaigns. He is one such athlete still shopping for a new NFL destination. The safety athlete may look to head home, as he recently paid a visit to New Orleans. However, is it realistic for the New Orleans Saints to capture the Honey Badger?
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Interestingly, New Orleans is where Tyrann Mathieu was born. Not only is the three-time Pro Bowler has his roots, but he also attended St. Augustine High School in Louisiana and LSU for his high school and college careers, respectively.
A free-agent facility visit fuels the rumors
According to a source knowledgeable of the situation, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reports Tuesday that safety Tyrann Mathieu is touring the Saints facilities while being in New Orleans with family members and friends. Rapoport also adds that an agreement with the unrestricted free agent is unlikely. However, the safety’s appearance is noteworthy.
Source: Free agent DB Tyrann Mathieu is heading in to the #Saints facility for a visit while he’s in New Orleans with family and friends. Nothing imminent. But one of the top players available will be at his first facility this offseason.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 5, 2022
Mathieu has nine NFL seasons under his belt, with five of them spent in Arizona, one in Houston, and the last three in Kansas City. For the third time in his career, he is a free agent.
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With news that Mathieu meeting the Saints, speculation is rife about whether the three-time Pro Bowler will enroll and return to play. Malcolm Jenkins, the former safety, departed the team due to retirement, leaving a gap in the role.
A hometown landing for Tyrann Mathieu?
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Tyrann Mathieu’s ties to the city of New Orleans run deep; Bringing in the hometown safety would be a welcome addition to a Saints offseason. The Saints need safety after losing Marcus Williams to Baltimore Ravens over free agency and witnessing Malcolm Jenkins retire. The team signed Marcus Maye in free agency, but he is recovering from an injury.
Maye and Mathieu together would instantly improve the Saints’ defense end, demonstrating that the company believes it can compete in a wide-open NFC Conference.
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The Honey Badger recently completed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. He inked the previous deal ahead of the 2019 season. In his overall career, Tyrann Mathieu had 610 combined tackles, 10 sacks, four forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, 76 pass deflections, three TDs, and 26 interceptions. If Tyrann doesn’t end up with the Saints. The Raiders, the Steelers, and the Cowboys are all possible landing locations for the 9-year-veteran safety.
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