One of the top free agents left on the market is making his first visit. Safety Tyrann Mathieu will meet with the Saints, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (Twitter link). 
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The fact that Mathieu is sitting down with the Saints comes as little surprise. He is a native of New Orleans, and played for LSU in college. The team also finds itself undergoing change at the safety position, with Marcus Williams signing in Baltimore and Malcolm Jenkins retiring. In response, the Saints have added Marcus Maye, but they still have a need on the back end.
Mathieu, 29, maintained his high level of play during his three years in Kansas City. He made 213 tackles with the Chiefs, adding 13 interceptions. His time there also saw him win his lone Super Bowl title, and add to his Pro Bowl and All-Pro totals in each campaign. His pedigree in terms of statistical achievements, not to mention his positional versatility and leadership qualities, would make him a sizeable addition to New Orleans or any other interested team.
Rapoport adds that there is “nothing imminent” at this point with respect to any contract offers from the Saints. New Orleans is in an unusually flexible position from a salary cap perspective, though, so they should be able to afford Mathieu on a short- or medium-term deal. His addition, if it were to take place, would represent not only a homecoming and a significant need being filled by the Saints, but it would also remove one of the biggest names from the list of those still available.
Mathieu + Maye > Jenkins + Williams. It’s not particularly close either. The only question is the Saints’ cap situation — it’s probably not worth it to backload the contracts of every starter on the team…
Why is he still unsigned?
Secondary linebacker turning-30-blues. The statistics for injury go up sharply at this age for his position. So execs are hesitant to match their history in perceived value.
He’s asking for big money, and going into his 10th season and age 30 I’m thinking that teams are wary of giving him long-term big money. I don’t blame either side; it’s just one of those situations where we wait until Mathieu lowers his demands or a team gets impatient or concerned about their depth enough to give in.
Yup, you nailed it. I’d love to see Tyrann play for the Broncos, but I still remember what happened with Sua Cravens…nothing.
Yes, please…
I don’t understand why Pittsburgh hasn’t reached out.. Him and Minkah would be special in that defense.
Yeah, but instead they’ll likely re-sign Edmunds, who just isn’t the answer. Shame. Mathieu makes perfect sense and I was hopeful, given the team’s off season spending so far.
I think Edmunds takes more flak than he should. He’s not a star, but he’s improved every year and has great rapport with Minkah. Edmunds just doesn’t make splash plays and misses too many tackles, and all that is magnified because the Steelers drafted him too early, which isn’t his fault at all. Having said all that, Mathieu would be an upgrade… but for how long? I wouldn’t sign Mathieu for longer than 2 years.
If you believe Mathieu, Tomlin has personally reached out to him. I think there’s going to be a bit of a courting process with Mathieu.
He’s a Louisiana guy so playing for the Saints would be a logical move. But I’d have to think playing for a new coach, with Jameis as QB and a running back who is in some legal trouble, they are considerations that may dissuade him
I dunno
I understand your points about Edmunds but in a secondary full of guys who, other than Minkah, can’t cover and can’t tackle, well, he may be standing out for the wrong reasons
I’m kind of surprised Mathieu is still out there and have to think that he wants a boatload of cash, as others have said
I think chargers. Although I know nothing about chargers.
I really hope so
Don’t understand why he would go to either New Orleans or Pittsburgh. Both have no shot at winning with those QB’s. I can see him going to the Chargers or someone with at least a chance. I like both NO and Pittsburgh but competing for the Super Bowl with those 2 isn’t going to happen.
Are the Cowboys waiting for his price to drop?