Tyrann Mathieu was easily one of the best free agent signings last season for the Houston Texans. A one year, $7 million deal for a former All-Pro safety who is still only 26 seemed like a no brainer, and it proved to be much more.
Not only was he productive on the field, returning to some of his former best form recording two interceptions, eight defended passes, and 89 combined tackles through 16 starts.
Of course, a one-year prove it or move on deal had it’s downsides, mainly that given his strong season and his effect both on and off the field as a team captain, he’s now in line for a pay increase, and will garner attention from other teams.
This comes at the same time as veteran defensive back Kareem Jackson has a career year with the Texans, also as he enters free agency. With other high priced players such as Jadeveon Clowney set for a new deal as well, the Texans can likely only afford to keep one of these safeties, and it is looking more likely that Mathieu may well be the man.
Speaking on Wednesday at the NFL Combine, coach Bill O’Brien was asked about his thoughts on Mathieu.
“He’s a good football player, he’s a smart football player, he’s a versatile player, but also what he meant leadership-wise in the locker room,” said O’Brien.
He then went on to admit: “There’s no doubt that we’d love to have Tyrann back.”
Whether or not he remains a Texan in 2019 is yet to be seen, however, when general manager Brian Gaine speaks to the media Thursday it is possible the situation may well begin to clear up.
