It appears as if the connection between the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs and two-time first-team All-Professional security Tyrann Mathieu has folded. After encouraging conversations earlier than the beginning of free company, not solely has Chiefs common supervisor Brett Veach not despatched Mathieu a contract but additionally introduced in his alternative, signing former Houston Texans security Justin Reid to a three-year deal. With Mathieu discovering a brand new vacation spot, let’s make predictions for his 2022 free company touchdown spot.
Free company predictions for Tyrann Mathieu
When the 2022 NFL season begins, the Honey Badger might be 30 years outdated. Whereas not a priority as an getting old vet, it probably implies that any long-term deal may take him to the top of his profession. His stint with the Chiefs had been a number of the extra productive seasons of his profession, clearly exhibiting he’s not hanging it up anytime quickly.
Whereas Mathieu components methods from the Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes juggernaut, there are many franchises on the cusp of contending. Let’s dive into some locations the Honey Badger may instantly influence.
New Orleans Saints
This offseason, the Large Simple has seen some high-profile gamers take their skills elsewhere. Beginning security Marcus Williams signed a five-year, $70 million cope with the Baltimore Ravens to shore up their secondary. In the meantime, WR Tre’Quan Smith is visiting with the Falcons, and LT Terron Armstead is prone to pursue free company after Houston traded QB Deshaun Watson to the Browns.
Nevertheless, the scenario has modified in New Orleans. They’ll lastly signal gamers once more. The restructuring interval and purge of contracts have taken New Orleans from over $40 million over the wage cap restrict to having $24.5 million out there in cap area as of March 20.
A transfer to convey Mathieu again house to New Orleans is possible and is smart. Malcolm Jenkins and Marcus Maye are the beginning safeties for the time being. Inserting Mathieu into that group improves a powerful secondary and makes a top-five NFL protection even higher.
The Honey Badger grew up in New Orleans and performed school soccer at LSU. This signing provides the followers a hometown participant to rally behind. Whereas the Saints want to deal with the QB scenario, protecting this defensive unit pretty much as good as doable might help take some strain off the offense. Mathieu signing with the Saints makes an excessive amount of sense at this level.
Indianapolis Colts
How does a workforce with a +14 turnover ratio in 2021 get even higher? Lock down a ball-hawking security who intercepted 13 passes on his final contract. The Indianapolis Colts protection is a unit to be reckoned with, however it may develop into higher with Mathieu.
The Colts defended nicely towards the run however had been within the league’s backside half towards the go. The entrance seven is loaded with expertise. The Colts’ line of defense options DEs Kwity Paye and Yannick Ngakoue and DT DeForest Buckner. Behind them is three-time first-team All-Professional linebacker Darius Leonard.
Nevertheless, the secondary doesn’t fairly have that go-to man like the opposite models. Mathieu provides a light-weight security room extra depth and offers the secondary an skilled voice of management. The Tremendous Bowl LIV winner would slide proper right into a unit with a knack for turnovers. The most effective half for Indianapolis? They’ll nonetheless outprice anybody with probably the most out there cap area left within the league.