In recent years, the Buffalo Bills have come close to advancing to the Super Bowl, but they just can’t seem to get past the Kansas City Chiefs. Perhaps no postseason loss stung more than their overtime setback in the 2021 AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium, a defeat so painful it forced the NFL to change its overtime rules. With Buffalo poised to make another run, they might find championship swagger in an unexpected place: a former Super Bowl winner from those same Chiefs.
Could Former Chiefs Safety Tyrann Mathieu Be Buffalo’s Missing Piece?
Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder compiled a list detailing one trade each NFL team should consider making. He listed safety Tyrann Mathieu, currently with the New Orleans Saints, as a player for whom the Bills should explore a trade.
“The Buffalo Bills are one of a few teams that have close to a complete roster, though safety remains a question mark,” Holder wrote. “The position was one of their needs this offseason, but the front office didn’t do much at that spot besides adding depth with Darrick Forrest and Jordan Hancock. So, if the rebuilding Saints are willing to put the 33-year-old Mathieu on the trade block, Brandon Beane should give Mickey Loomis a call.”
Mathieu’s journey to potential Buffalo consideration started at Louisiana State University, where he played before being dismissed from the team in 2012 because of a violation of team rules. Despite that setback, he was ranked as one of the best cornerback prospects ahead of the 2013 NFL Draft, leading the Arizona Cardinals to select him with the 69th pick.
Tyrann Mathieu at LSU was GENERATIONAL 🙌 pic.twitter.com/j9Ahd3bLKH
— Football’s Greatest Moments (@FBGreatMoments) June 18, 2025
Arizona eventually rewarded Mathieu with a five-year, $62.5 million contract extension, including $40 million guaranteed. The “Honey Badger” received $21.25 million upon signing, including an initial signing bonus of $15.50 million.
However, in 2018, he was released from the team after refusing to accept a pay cut. The Houston Texans signed him for a single season before he inked a three-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. That’s where the championship experience came in, as Mathieu helped the Chiefs to victory in Super Bowl LIV over the San Francisco 49ers, recording six tackles, four of them solo, as part of the win.
In May 2022, Mathieu signed a three-year, $28.3 million contract with the New Orleans Saints. The veteran safety brings impressive credentials to any potential trade discussion. Throughout his NFL career, he’s amassed 838 total tackles, 11 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and 36 interceptions.
With Buffalo’s championship window wide open, adding a proven winner like Mathieu could be the final piece that helps them finally get past Kansas City and reach the Super Bowl.
