On Monday, news broke that the New Orleans Saints signed Tyrann Mathieu to a three-year deal. The Honey Badger was arguably the top safety available in 2022 NFL Free Agency. After spending three years with the Kansas City Chiefs, Mathieu is back in his hometown of New Orleans.
Mathieu spoke about his homecoming at his media appearance as a member of the Saints.
The star safety is excited to be around “his people” in New Orleans. Saints reporter Luke Johnson tweeted Mathieu's heartwarming statement Wednesday afternoon.
Tyrann Mathieu, on the draw of being back in Louisiana: "I look forward to being around my people, our people."
— Luke Johnson (@ByLukeJohnson) May 4, 2022
The newest member of the Saints also credited Saints fans as being the “most exciting fanbase in all of football,” per the team's tweet.
"I think (Saints fans) is the most exciting fan base in all of football," – @Mathieu_Era pic.twitter.com/I0v8483jg2
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) May 4, 2022
Mathieu then elaborated on why he's excited to work with the Saints defense.
“This defense just has an identity…they're gonna try to play team ball,” he said. “I think that's why they've been a really successful unit over the past five years or so. I'm just hoping that I can add to that. I'm hoping that I can come in and be a leader and make other guys' jobs easier.”
There's no doubt that the three-time Pro Bowler will be a fantastic addition to the New Orleans defense. He will work alongside veterans Demario Davis, Marcus Davenport, David Onyemata and Cameron Jordan, as well as many young defensive players.
The Saints finished just above .500 at 9-8 last season, and will certainly have a much better chance at a playoff run with Mathieu on their roster.