The Kansas City Chiefs decided to break the bank on one of the most coveted free agents this offseason. That free agent is none other than the “Honey Badger”, Tyrann Mathieu.
The deal is reported to be a three-year, $42 million contract. Mathieu was expected to receive a huge payday with all of the premium safeties hitting the market this offseason.
With the signing, the Chiefs add a multi-talented free safety that can be moved around a defense. Also, I would expect Eric Berry to slot in next to Mathieu at strong safety.
This was a huge get for a Chiefs defense that struggled majorly in 2018. As a whole, Kansas City ranked 31st in the NFL against the pass.
There's nowhere to go but up for the Chiefs defense—especially if you add Mathieu into the mix. Mathieu also gives the Chiefs a major playmaker on the backend of their secondary.
In 2018, the Chiefs ranked ninth in interceptions and eighth in total takeaways. The Houston Texans were ranked fourth in the NFL in takeaways. This is likely due to having a player like Mathieu.
The versatility that Mathieu brings is a huge reason why this signing is exactly what this defense needs.
This past season, Mathieu basically played snaps at just about every position on the field.
Tyrann Mathieu snaps in 2018
Free safety (440)
CB slot left (199)
Left OLB (123)
CB slot right (112)
Right OLB (39)
Right ILB (31)
Left ILB (27)
CB wide left (19)
Left DT (3)
Middle LB (2)
CB wide right (1)
Right DT (1)He's a swiss army knife.
— Paul Hembekides (@PaulHembo) March 12, 2019
The man even played snaps in the left and right defensive tackle spots. Tell me other safeties who are capable of doing that? Not many.
For his size, Mathieu packs a punch to fellow ball carriers. His ability to play the run along with his coverage skills make him a rare breed of safety in the NFL.
The Honey Badger has been highly productive since being selected 69th overall in the 2013 NFL Draft. He has averaged nearly 60 tackles, five tackles for loss, and two interceptions every season over that span.
The injuries that hindered him with the Arizona Cardinals seem to no longer be present. The talented safety has started in 32 straight games over the last two seasons.
The $14 million per year seems like a tough price for a safety but the Chiefs were in dire need of someone with the skillset that Mathieu possesses.
The market for safeties is also skyrocketing this offseason—causing the Chiefs to fall in line. We're seeing the likes of Lamarcus Joyner and Landon Collins both reach the double-digit mark in annual salary.
Despite some people questioning the move, this move could push the Chiefs even closer to contention. They may have fallen short in 2018 but this offseason could allow them to improve upon their faults.
With Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce putting on a show on offense, the defense was a glaring issue in 2018. The addition of Mathieu gives the defense a versatile weapon that can disrupt opposing offenses.
One of the benefits of having Mathieu is his ability to play multiple positions. As a result, if any injuries occur, Mathieu can easily step in and make a difference still.
Before being drafted, Mathieu had question marks concerning his character. Since then, players have labeled him as one of their best teammates.
The Chiefs improve their already upbeat locker room with a guy who is hungry to win a ring. That's exactly why a Mathieu/Chiefs relationship makes complete sense.
In addition, as a defense, you can't allow 26 points per game and expect to wind up in the Super Bowl. The Honey Badger will have something to say about that in 2019.
Chiefs fans were calling for the front office to improve their defense and they have answered that request. That request landed them a phenomenal safety who astronomically improves a struggling defense.
Things may have looked bleak in 2018 for the Chiefs defense but in 2019, things are beginning to look positive.
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