Kansas City Chiefs veteran free safety Tyrann Mathieu is a hard-hitting, intelligent, and versatile defensive standout. Mathieu has been called a Swiss Army knife because of his ability to line up all over the field at multiple positions, including at the line of scrimmage or in deep coverage. He can operate anywhere from traditional safety, slot corner, and linebacker. Now heading into the 2022 NFL free agency period, what kind of contract could Mathieu expect to see based on his career stats and impact?
Tyrann Mathieu: Free Agency Overview
Mathieu figures to have a strong market with multiple offers for his representatives at Creative Artists Agency to sift through.
Recapping Mathieu’s 2021 season
Mathieu had a stellar season in pass coverage and as a run-stopper in 2021.
Following his strong campaign, the Chiefs named him the team’s Most Valuable Player once again. He earned the Derrick Thomas team MVP for the first time in 2019.
A two-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time All-Pro, Mathieu had 76 tackles (60 solo), 2 tackles for losses, 3 interceptions, and 6 pass deflections last season. He returned an interception for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens to boot.
Mathieu’s contract estimate and salary cap implications
Mathieu’s three-year, $42 million contract that includes $26.8 million guaranteed, a $14.8 million signing bonus, and an average annual salary of $14 million has expired. Now, he’ll need a contract with at least that average and likely more for him to return to Kansas City.
Possible landing spots for Mathieu
The Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, and Chicago Bears make sense for Mathieu as potential destinations. However, the most likely spot remains in Kansas City.
Mathieu had multiple NFL teams interested in his services the last time he was a free agent. The former LSU star figures to have plenty of interest if he hits free agency this offseason.
What they’re saying about Mathieu
“I just think that the guy — in addition to being a really good, tough football player — he’s a very bright guy, he cares about his teammates, he’s been through a lot in his life. He has no fear.” — Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, a former Texans head coach who coached Mathieu in Houston