The Athletic predicts where Tyrann Mathieu will play in 2022
NFL free agency is set to open next week which means we'll soon learn whether or not safety Tyrann Mathieu will return to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022. The Chiefs used the franchise tag on offensive lineman Orlando Brown earlier this week and they're reportedly working on an extension with wide receiver Tyreek Hill. […]
NFL free agency is set to open next week which means we'll soon learn whether or not safety Tyrann Mathieu will return to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022.
The Chiefs used the franchise tag on offensive lineman Orlando Brown earlier this week and they're reportedly working on an extension with wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
That likely means that Mathieu will hit the open market unless a surprising last-minute extension happens. However, it's hard to see Mathieu inking an extension this close to the open of free agency — especially if he's hoping to maximize his earnings on the potentially last big free-agent deal of his career.
If Mathieu remains unsigned when free agency opens, it seems highly likely that he won't be back in Kansas City in 2022.
I think the New Orleans Saints are the team most likely to land Mathieu, due to the fact he's from New Orleans (and the Saints could use a safety).
The Athletic, however, thinks Mathieu will stay in the AFC. They predicted this week that the Baltimore Ravens will sign the Honey Badger.
Mathieu would be an excellent fit in the Ravens’ secondary alongside Marlon Humphrey, Marcus Peters and Chuck Clark. His skill set aligns with how John Harbaugh wants to play defense.
Mathieu would definitely be a good fit with the Ravens — his passionate playing style would translate well to what Baltimore does defensively under John Harbaugh.
But ultimately, I think Mathieu will go with the highest bidder. Maybe it's the Ravens or the Saints. Maybe another team swoops in and signs him. But I don't think it'll be the Chiefs. I think we've seen Mathieu play his last game in a Kansas City uniform.
Featured image via Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
