The Kansas City Chiefs have made their first big move of the 2019 free agency period.
Safety Tyrann Mathieu is set to sign with the Chiefs at the start of free agency Wednesday afternoon, according to multiple reports. Mathieu was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2013 NFL draft. He played collegiate ball at LSU.
Mathieu signed with the Texans on a one-year deal as a free agent in 2018. Even though other teams were reported to be in aggressive pursuit of Mathieu, including the Texans, he chose the Chiefs’ offer of a three-year contract worth $42 million.
Mathieu started all 16 games during the 2018 season. He accumulated 89 total tackles, two interceptions and three sacks. He was a leader in the Texans locker room and has proved throughout his career that he has versatility. He can play free safety and come into the box for run support.
This move does seem a little strange for general manager Brett Veach given that he described the prototypical player for Steve Spagnuolo’s defense as “big and long” at the 2019 NFL combine. That doesn’t exactly describe the Honey Badger, who weighs in at 5 feet 9 and 190 pounds. Mathieu’s skill and passion for the game certainly make up for any height deficiency.
Keep in mind that this deal cannot be finalized until Wednesday. We’ll update you with more contract details as they become available.
