Chiefs will see the return of a few familiar faces as they host the New Orleans Saints in Week 5
One way to contend for a championship is to sign multiple guys from the most successful team of the last decade, it seems. When the Kansas City Chiefs host the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football in Week 5, they'll see four former players. Those guys are: Safety Tyrann MathieuLinebacker Willie Gay Jr.Defensive tackle […]
One way to contend for a championship is to sign multiple guys from the most successful team of the last decade, it seems.
When the Kansas City Chiefs host the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football in Week 5, they'll see four former players. Those guys are:
- Safety Tyrann Mathieu
- Linebacker Willie Gay Jr.
- Defensive tackle Khalen Saunders
- DE Tanoh Kpassagnon
Kpassagnon won't take the field against the Chiefs as he remains on the physically unable to perform list after tearing his Achilles during the offseason. Kpassagnon was drafted by K.C. in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He didn't reach a second contract with the Chiefs and found a new home in New Orleans in 2021.
Saunders was mostly a rotational guy during his four years (2019-2022) in K.C., but usually made an impact when called upon. He recorded two tackles and a sack during the Chiefs' Super Bowl LVII victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. The following offseason, Saunders signed a three-year, $14.5 million contract with the Saints.
Gay signed with New Orleans just this past offseason after a four-year run (2020-2023) with the Chiefs. He started 47 games during his tenure in K.C., racking up 233 tackles, five sacks and four interceptions. Gay's high energy personality made him a fan favorite. Unfortunately, he's battling a hand injury and may not play in this game.
Mathieu is the headliner of the list, anchoring the Chiefs' secondary from 2019-2021. He was named an All-Pro and a Pro Bowler twice during that time and played a big role in the Chiefs winning Super Bowl LIV. He made a lasting impact on his teammates and the city and it will be fun watching him have a chess match against quarterback Patrick Mahomes on Monday.
Chiefs' defensive tackle Chris Jones talked to the media on Friday about what it will be like to play against his former teammates.
“Yeah, we’ve got, what, Willie Gay, TK (Kpassagnon), Tyrann, Khalen Saunders?" Jones said. "I talked to him (Saunders) last night. I’m going to call him today to see if he can give me any spits about him being in the offense. (He) probably won’t, but it’s good, man (laughter). It’s good to play against your peers that you once played and accomplished so much with. It’s also a challenge, though. We want to come in here and make sure we leave with a win. It’s exciting, (we are) looking forward to it and maybe we can chat after the game.”
Like Jones eluded to, keep an eye on the Saints sneaking Saunders in on offense if they get near the goal line. He played 16 offensive snaps last season, and they even attempted to throw to him in the endzone, but he was well covered and didn't get the ball. The Chiefs used Saunders on offense as an extra blocker twice in 2022.
It will be fun for Saunders and Mathieu to mix it up with their former teammates before the game, but once the ball is kicked off it will be all business. There's always some extra incentive for players when they face their former team. In both Saunders' and Mathieu's case, many thought the Chiefs would bring them back, but opted to let them go.
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Maybe not who you’d expect.
