With Tyrann Mathieu set to become a free agent in 2022, will we see him return to Kansas City, or will he join the fourth different team of his career? As one of the premier free agent options, sitting fifth on PFN’s Top 75 available players, Mathieu is expected to have a solid market. Let’s take a look at what that market might look like, some predictions, and where he could be playing in 2022.
Predictions for free agent Tyrann Mathieu
Over the course of the last five seasons, Mathieu has continued to be one of the best and most reliable safety options in the league. He has missed just two games in that time frame and has only been below 75 tackles in a season once. Additionally, Mathieu has pulled in 17 interceptions in those five years. As a three-time first-team All-Pro, including as recently as 2020, he should be very much in demand.
Mathieu is coming to the end of a three-year deal worth $14.8 million per year. Spotrac has Mathieu’s market value at almost that identical number over the next three seasons. The safety market could be interesting this offseason. Mathieu is the top available option at the position, but other good players are available, such as Marcus Williams and Quandre Diggs. Having several top-end options available could blunt the top end of the market if supply outstrips the demand around the league in the first few days.
Mathieu’s best landing spots
There will likely be no shortage of teams looking at Mathieu this offseason. The ultimate decision will come down to how teams value the position and whether they feel they can “get by” with what they currently have on their roster. Let’s take a look at some of the potential landing spots for Mathieu.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are going to have some tough choices to make this offseason. They have several key players set to become free agents, which could push safety down the priority list. The pairing of Chuck Clark and Brandon Stephens could certainly benefit from an upgrade. Nonetheless, addressing their pass rush, linebacker, and cornerback situations might be higher on the list.
The problem for the Ravens is that, while they have salary cap space to play with, they do not have the room to go and spend on luxuries. Baltimore may view an upgrade at safety as essential, and if so, Mathieu would be perfect for that role.
This is not the first time the Ravens have been linked with Mathieu. The interest will almost certainly be there if the price is right.
Chicago Bears
The Bears desperately need to address their defensive backfield, especially with some veteran additions. As it stands, youth surrounds Eddie Jackson in that Chicago secondary. The Bears should perhaps prioritize adding some veteran talent at cornerback. However, if they believe in their young corners, adding a second veteran safety option might be the move that makes the most sense.
The Bears have some work to do all over their roster in terms of upgrades. They need to address their offensive line and their wide receiver position. On defense, there could be gaps on the defensive line and at linebacker. That could push safety down the priority list. If that is the case, the Bears will likely be looking at a middle-tier free agent at the position instead of a player of Mathieu’s quality — and cost.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs’ franchise-tagging of Orlando Brown opened the door for Mathieu to head to free agency this offseason. He could still return to the team, but as PFN’s National NFL Insider Aaron Wilson reported recently, the Chiefs do not appear willing to match the financial expectations that Mathieu is looking for at this point.
Of course, if a market does not emerge in the way Mathieu hoped, the Chiefs will likely have an offer on the table. The Chiefs have Juan Thornhill under contract, but behind him, the cupboard appears to be bare. The only way this safety blanket could be removed for Mathieu is if the Chiefs strike a deal they like with another prominent player at the position. However, they would arguably prefer to bring back a player they know and who has earned team MVP twice in three years.
New Orleans Saints
In Wilson’s recent report, the Saints — and a potential homecoming — were also discussed as a possible option for Mathieu. Entering free agency, the Saints only have Malcolm Jenkins and C.J. Gardner-Johnson as recognizable names at the position. Marcus Williams, P.J. Williams, and Jeff Heath are all set to hit the open market this year.
The Saints demonstrated last offseason that they put a premium on the position. Giving Marcus Williams the franchise tag was viewed as a surprise by some given their cap situation. However, with another cap crunch in 2022, was the decision not to tag Williams a suggestion the Saints might not be willing to devote huge resources to the position this year?
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles could very well be the perfect landing spot for Mathieu. Philadelphia surprised many by making the playoffs last season. They have some strong areas on their roster. Philly will need to address wide receiver and potentially a replacement for Brandon Brooks at right guard.
However, their defense looks to be in a nice spot. The Eagles have some cap space to play with this offseason. The one area that does look in need right now is safety. Mathieu would be an instant upgrade to a number of situations, but he certainly would be here. If Mathieu is looking for a team with a need at safety, cash to spend, and an outside chance of being a challenger this year, Philadelphia could be his ideal landing spot.
