New Orleans Saints Pro Bowler veteran Tyrann Mathieu is the team’s best trade asset this upcoming 2025 campaign. It’s clear that the team is in rebuilding mode this year, despite hiring head coach Kellen Moore to try to kick the tires of being a capable postseason contender. However, they’re nowhere near there as the Saints will likely endure another losing season following Derek Carr’s retirement, and they don’t have an adequate starting quarterback. Bleacher Report believes Mathieu is one of the three trade assets if that happens, and they should consider trading Mathieu after reworking his contract this offseason.
Originally selected in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the former third-rounder became expendable ever since signing Justin Reid to a long-term extension, even though they didn’t have much cap space for it. The Saints finally have a little salary cap flexibility since Carr isn’t in the league anymore, but that won’t stop the team from considering trading a veteran like Mathieu. The safety was healthy for all 17 games last season, recording 47 solo tackles, seven pass deflections and three interceptions, so he should have a market if the Saints make him available. Mathieu is getting up there in age, and it might be better for him to join a roster that is close to being a Super Bowl contender sooner rather than later.
Report: Saints Top Pro Bowler Tyrann Mathieu Named “Best Trade Asset” – 5 Suitors Emerge
Possible Destinations
Kansas City Chiefs
After losing Justin Reid this offseason, the only move they made to replace him was bringing back Mike Edwards. He’s way past his prime and probably will be a rotational defender. Bryan Cook and Jaden Hicks are the lockdown starters for the safety unit, but it wouldn’t be a bad thing to add a veteran to the secondary as they’re getting younger.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, the Panthers have finally made some moves to improve their defense after spending two offseasons building an offense for quarterback Bryce Young. Carolina signed Trevon Moehrig to salvage the secondary unit alongside Nick Scott since they have one of the worst pass secondaries last year. Scott won’t replicate the same success as Moehrig might have, so that Mathieu would be the obvious upgrade.
Los Angeles Chargers
However, even though the Los Angeles Chargers had a successful secondary unit last year, it will look dramatically different. After losing Kristian Fulton, they made up for it by signing Donte Jackson, and since Cam Hart won’t be 100%, they could upgrade the safety unit further. Elijah Molden might be the future of this department, but Derwin James Jr. is getting older, and Alohi Gilman dealt with some injury issues. Mathieu doesn’t have a lot of years left in the tank, but he could help the Chargers move farther in the postseason.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys’ re-signing Markquese Bell early this offseason could be a sign that this could be Donovan Wilson’s last year with the team. Malik Hooker is safe for now, but they have yet to upgrade their secondary unit other than drafting Shavon Revel Jr. and Kaiir Elam for the cornerback department. Since they traded for George Pickens for their offense, they should upgrade the defense to possibly replicate the same success and take advantage of a competitive NFC East race.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens will lose Ar’Darius Washington for the 2025 campaign. However, they’re betting on the future of Malaki Starks are drafting him this year. Kyle Hamilton is the lockdown starter after having an impressive season last year, but he needs veteran insurance and the Ravens always know how to bring out the best in those types of players, so Mathieu could fill the hole.
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