From our NFL Combine coverage: A look at some of the key DB storylines in free agency, including the value (money-wise and locker room-wise) of the Honey Badger. pic.twitter.com/tEsidChGJd
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2022
One of the Kansas City Chiefs’ top free-agent defenders is expected to test the free agent market per a new report.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Chiefs S Tyrann Mathieu is going to see what type of contracts might be available to him in free agency and outside of Kansas City. The veteran defensive back is expected to be coveted for his leadership and could command a double-digit annual salary per Rapoport.
“[Tyrann Mathieu] is not yet 30 years old, but he’s going to be in a couple of months. My understanding is he’s going to test the market. There is a chance he’s back in Kansas City, but they have so many priorities. I know he’s a huge, huge part of their team. We’ll see what kind of competition they get from elsewhere. Still can play at a really high level, but really it’s the leadership that the Honey Badger can bring to any locker room. He’s going to be coveted and probably breaks double digits as far as his next salary.”
This news comes just days after Chiefs GM Brett Veach told reporters he’d be meeting with Mathieu’s representation at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine. It’s clear that the two sides exchanged numbers and weren’t close on a deal, which is leading Mathieu to test the waters in free agency.
If Mathieu can get a better deal from another club, it’s likely that he’ll take it. It’s possible that he gives Kansas City an opportunity to match any offers, but what’s abundantly clear is that Veach has earmarked a certain amount of money for retaining Mathieu. That amount is not enough to get a deal done ahead of free agency, but if Mathieu’s market isn’t as fruitful as is expected, it’s possible he’ll return to the team.
Another reason that the Chiefs are comfortable letting Mathieu test the market is because of their position in the 2022 NFL draft. They feel that they’re uniquely situated, outside of perceived top prospect Kyle Hamilton, to have their choice of safety at pick No. 30. If they find themselves in a situation where a receiver or edge rusher they really like is available, they also have a level of comfort waiting until Day 2 to fill that need.
