Is Tyrann Mathieu returning to the Kansas City Chiefs a possibility?
Earlier this offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs signed free agent safety Justin Reid to a three-year deal worth $31.5 million. Reid was signed to replace safety Tyrann Mathieu, a fan favorite who is looking at a big payday entering his age 30 season. Mathieu, who has reached two straight Pro Bowls, surprisingly hasn't been signed yet […]
Earlier this offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs signed free agent safety Justin Reid to a three-year deal worth $31.5 million.
Reid was signed to replace safety Tyrann Mathieu, a fan favorite who is looking at a big payday entering his age 30 season.
Mathieu, who has reached two straight Pro Bowls, surprisingly hasn't been signed yet this offseason.
On Monday, at the annual NFL owners meetings in Florida, Kansas City head coach Andy Reid was asked about Mathieu still being a free agent.
Reid said he's surprised that Mathieu is still a free agent and that he wants "good things" for the Honey Badger.
If you're a Chiefs fan who is hoping that Mathieu could still return to Kansas City this offseason, I don't have good news for you.
Nate Taylor, who covers the Chiefs for The Athletic, reported on Monday that the odds are low that Mathieu re-signs with Kansas City.
When the Chiefs signed Reid, the thought was that Kansas City was saving money for extensions with offensive tackle Orlando Brown and wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
With Hill now traded to the Miami Dolphins, the Chiefs seemingly have some future salary available that could go to Mathieu.
But would that be a smart move with Reid already on the roster? A Mathieu/Reid combination would certainly be lethal (they actually played together with the Houston Texans in 2018).
However, the Chiefs currently have Juan Thornhill lining up at safety alongside Reid. Thornhill actually graded better last season than Mathieu.
Now, obviously I still think Mathieu is the better player. But I doubt the Chiefs would view the extra money spent on Mathieu to upgrade over Thornhill as a wise economic move.
Unless Mathieu is willing to sign a one-year deal, I can't see him returning to Kansas City in 2022.
Fortunately for the Chiefs, the loss of Mathieu doesn't make Kansas City less of a Super Bowl contender next season.
Featured image via Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
