The second wave of the 2022 NFL free agency period is off and running at a furious pace. As players continue to sign new contracts, predictions for free agent S Tyrann Mathieu continue to be discussed. Which NFL teams need additional secondary help and could benefit the most from acquiring Mathieu in free agency?
Predictions for Tyrann Mathieu in 2022 NFL free agency
A transition is taking place in the AFC West. The Broncos, Chargers, and Raiders have taken a massive step forward in their efforts to topple the Chiefs from their stranglehold on the division. It is the Chiefs who are now on the backburner — they appear set to lose defensive superstar Tyrann Mathieu.
A disruptor his entire career, some of Mathieu’s best ball has come in KC. In his three seasons (47 games), Mathieu has 13 interceptions, 2 defensive touchdowns, 4 fumble recoveries, 213 tackles, and 27 passes defensed. Mathieu was also a back-to-back first-team All-Pro selection in 2019 and 2020. He is expected to receive a substantial contract, with Spotrac estimating his market value at $44.6 million over the next three seasons. The only question is where, as there is no shortage of predictions floating around.
Pittsburgh Steelers
According to ESPN NFL Reporter Jeremy Fowler, the Pittsburgh Steelers have shown interest in Mathieu despite not ruling out the possibility of bringing back Terrell Edmunds. The Steelers have been uncharacteristically active in free agency. This could be the largest move of them all.
Pairing Mathieu with Minkah Fitzpatrick would be a dream scenario for Iron City. Since joining the Steelers midway through the 2019 season via trade from Miami, Fitzpatrick has 11 interceptions, 2 defensive touchdowns, 27 passes defensed, 3 forced fumbles, 4 recoveries, and 260 tackles (a career-best 124 of those during the 2021 season).
Mathieu and Fitzpatrick could be the best coverage safety duo in the NFL. It would be an incredible move for the Steelers’ pass defense in a division with Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Deshaun Watson.
Las Vegas Raiders
At this point, if someone is a top-tier free agent, throw them to the AFC West. The Las Vegas Raiders played it slow to start free agency. That did not last long — they made massive moves. The first domino was EDGE Chandler Jones; the second was the blockbuster trade to acquire Davante Adams. Safe to say, Mark Davis decided it was time to join in on the fun.
The Raiders have a young safety who can turn into a ball hawk in Trevon Moehrig. He could learn from the best alongside Mathieu. Johnathan Abram is not a prototypical coverage safety. When targeted last season, he allowed 57 of 72 targets to be completed for 483 yards and 5 TDs. He is a player who runs downhill and lays the lumber to RBs and WRs in the box, sometimes even coming up worse for wear.
Mathieu is the opposite. He is a center fielder who relies on his instincts to make plays all over the field. The Raiders could run out a myriad of position groups in coverage, all while Jones and Maxx Crosby put pressure on QBs, forcing mistakes downfield.
Given that six of the Raiders’ games will be against Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson, and Justin Herbert, the Raiders need all the defensive back help they can get. Mathieu is not just an upgrade. He is a tone-setter — precisely what the Raiders need.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts came into free agency with the most salary cap space of any team. They have stayed relatively quiet as well in the market. After trading Carson Wentz to Washington in exchange for two third-round picks, the Colts got their QB.
On Monday, the Colts sent a third-round pick in exchange to the Atlanta Falcons for veteran QB Matt Ryan. They are going all-in on a divisional title and feel they can compete in the AFC once the playoffs roll around.
Last season, the Colts forced 33 turnovers, one behind the Dallas Cowboys for the top spot. The Colts defended well against the run but were in the bottom half of the league against the pass. Mathieu could help drastically change that while adding depth to an already competitive team.
In October, safety Justin Blackmon tore his Achilles. Not every player is Cam Akers, so it is difficult to project where he will be when the season starts. Also, Khari Willis is on the last year of his rookie contract. Mathieu could be a significant addition to what is an already dangerous defense. Keep an eye out for predictions starting to link these two sides together as the Colts try to pull ahead of the Titans in the AFC South divisional race.
