After months of speculation, Tyrann Mathieu is officially come back to where it all started. The star safety will sign with his hometown New Orleans Saints for the 2022 season.
The #Saints are making a key post-draft addition, as they’re expected to sign All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu, sources say. A long-awaited signing that should be finalized in the coming days, the Honey Badger lands in a perfect spot.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 2, 2022
This is a tremendous signing for the Saints, who bring in one of the best at his craft in the league. Per Rapoport, Mathieu also did a Zoom with the Philadelphia Eagles, but New Orleans was always his number one choice:
The Honey Badger visited the #Saints and did a zoom with the #Eagles, but New Orleans was always the leader in the clubhouse. In the coming days, this should be finalized. A homecoming. https://t.co/wi1yZ5dupA
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 2, 2022
Of course, Mathieu also played football in Baton Rouge at LSU and is born and bred in NOLA. He enjoyed another impressive campaign in 2021 and has collected 13 interceptions across the past three seasons, all with the Kansas City Chiefs. That's the fifth-most in the NFL. The Honey Badger was named an All-Pro for the second year in a row, too.
The Chiefs ultimately moved on from the veteran though after signing Justin Reid, leaving Mathieu to find a new home. The Saints meanwhile had the 14th best pass defense last season but will certainly become immediately better with the addition of Mathieu. He brings poise, versatility, and championship experience to the table, which should prove to be huge for New Orleans as they look to get back to the playoffs.