The New Orleans Saints are considering to cut former All-Pro Tyrann Mathieu in a salary-cap-saving move. According to a report, the Saints are looking to release Mathieu as he’s entering the final year of his contract before he becomes a free agent next offseason. Originally selected in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the former LSU product became one of the best safeties in the league pairing with Hall of Famer Patrick Peterson in Arizona, recording 65 solo tackles, nine pass deflections, two interceptions and a sack in 13 games and 11 starts. However, Mathieu became a journeyman for the majority of his career after refusing to take a pay cut to stay with the Cardinals.
The Honey Badger spent just one season with the Texans before joining the Chiefs to win a Super Bowl. Recently, the veteran is no longer the same and won’t be producing prime numbers like he once did. The Saints are in dire need of cap space as the team is over $47 million above it so some tough decisions incoming. Mathieu denies any rumors of a potential release and that he’s willing to stay with the Saints.
Before, many sources were projecting him to be dealt with in a trade. However, they probably won’t find a trade partner considering his age so a release could be logical.
Breaking: Saints Considering to Cut Former All-Pro Tyrann Mathieu
Possible Next Teams
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are in good hands on offense other than the wide receiving position. The Ravens need safety since they plan to part ways with Marcus Williams who lost his starting job to Ar’Darius Washington. Kyle Hamilton is in line for a big-time contract but the Ravens don’t have the cap space for it. With that, they might have to settle for Mathieu this offseason on a bargain contract now that he’s older in case Hamilton holds out next offseason.
Washington had a good 2024 campaign but they could lose veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey. Baltimore needs as many veterans as they can get if they want to be championship-worthy. Mathieu may give them the boost.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers spent the 2024 offseason building a capable offense for quarterback Bryce Young. It’s time for the team to improve their defense no matter if they bring back Jaycee Horn. Xavier Woods is a free agent so they need a veteran replacement to boost their secondary. Mathieu could be their answer even though he’s aging.
Kansas City Chiefs
If breakout safety Justin Reid decides to leave, the Kansas City Chiefs will be left finding the next best available in the market. However, since they are prioritizing re-signing plenty of free agents like Nick Bolton, they won’t have the funds to facilitate a big-time signing. The Chiefs could reunite with Mathieu if he becomes available and he’s a worthy replacement to help Bryan Cook cover the aerial attack.
Los Angeles Chargers
The good news is the Chargers have enough cap space to sign the top safety but they probably won’t do that even though they anticipate losing Derwin James Jr. in free agency. Alohi Gilman will be coming off an injury and needs some veteran mentorship to put him back to speed. Mathieu might not do much but he could still be a solid starter since Jim Harbaugh loves an old-school defense.
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