One of the Kansas City Chiefs' biggest decisions this offseason will be whether or not to bring Tyrann Mathieu back in 2022 (and beyond).

Mathieu is set to be a free agent for the third time in his career (he previously signed a one-year deal with the Houston Texans in 2018 and then his three-year deal with the Chiefs in 2019).

The Honey Badger, who will turn 30 in May, is the heart and soul of the Chiefs' defense. But he's going to command a high price in free agency. Mathieu is likely going to land a deal that could make him the highest-paid safety in the NFL (or somewhere in that range).

Is that a price the Chiefs want to pay?

For now, we can't answer that question. My gut says Mathieu is back in Kansas City next season, but that's far from a certainty.

Complicating thing is the fact that several other teams will be targeting Mathieu this offseason, which will drive up the price.

It's easy to see why other franchises would want Mathieu on their roster: he's an extremely versatile defender who can line up anywhere on the field. Mathieu can play deep in coverage or on the line of scrimmage. He can play as a safety, a slot cornerback, or even a linebacker.

Beyond his versatility, Mathieu brings intelligence, toughness, and passion to the field.

The former LSU standout recently received an endorsement from Alabama Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien, who coached Mathieu for a season in Houston.

“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," said O'Brien (via Pro Football Network).

NFL insider Aaron Wilson, who covers the league for Pro Football Network, recently took a deep dive into Mathieu's free agency. And he mentioned three specific teams that could look to swipe Mathieu from KC — the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, and Chicago Bears.

Ravens fans, specifically, are already salivating at the thought of adding Mathieu to their roster.

Wilson went on to mention that he still believes Mathieu returning to Kansas City is the most likely outcome here.

The Chiefs need to do whatever they can to keep Mathieu in KC. And that might mean overpaying a bit (thanks to those three teams possibly having interest). But you can't replace the intangibles that Mathieu brings to the Chiefs. Anyone else in that position — even if they're statistically better — is going to be a downgrade from Mathieu.

Featured image via Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports