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
Honey Badger has been a disruptor on the field, making plays in seemingly every game going back to his days at LSU. However, it appears highly likely Mathieu’s days in Kansas City are over. Not only did GM Brett Veach not offer Mathieu a contract, but he also brought in his replacement, signing former Houston Texans safety Justin Reid to a three-year deal.
While he is 30, some of Mathieu’s best seasons came in his time 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.
More than just what he brings on the field, Mathieu has been lauded for his status in the locker room and is viewed as one of the pillars of the Chiefs’ organization. That is not something that Kansas City can easily replace.
With the NFL moving more and more towards all-or-nothing vertical attacks with more 3-WR sets on the field, there has never been more pressure on teams to have a stout secondary. As such, it is expected Mathieu will receive a handsome contract during the second wave of free agency. The only question is where, as there is no shortage of predictions floating around.
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.
Why not take a hard look at Mathieu? 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.
In October, safety Justin Blackmon tore his Achilles, and 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.
New Orleans Saints
Could Mathieu’s football career come full circle? A New Orleans native, Mathieu played ball in the area and went to LSU. It is not out of the realm of possibility he could end it in Louisiana, as there is reportedly mutual interest.
After losing Marcus Williams to the Ravens, the Saints locked down former Jet safety Marcus Maye on a three-year, $22 million contract. While this could have taken them out of the Mathieu sweepstakes, until the ink is dry on his next contract, I cannot completely rule them out.
Las Vegas Raiders
At this point, if someone is a top-tier free agency, 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 has come to play.
Take a look around the AFC West, and one thing is clear — you better be able to defend the pass when six of your games are against a combination of Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson, and Justin Herbert.
The Raiders have a young safety who can turn into a takeaway artist in Trevon Moehrig. He could learn from the best alongside Mathieu. Johnathan Abram is not a 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, 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. If I am Vegas, I am rolling the dice on Mathieu. Otherwise, they might go bust in this division.
