Free agency officially begins March 13 but things are already heating up around the league as teams prepare trades, cut players and attempt to sign their own free agents before they hit the open market at the start of the new league year.
Seattle has some tough decisions to make and securing the secondary is likely high on the offseason list. The Seahawks are undoubtedly set to part ways with All-Pro free safety Earl Thomas, who’ll get his shot at a fresh start as an unrestricted free agent.
But replacing Thomas isn’t the Seahawks’ only concern in the secondary and finding a versatile player who could play multiple positions would be key. Texans’ safety Tyrann Mathieu could be just the man to do it – if the price is right.
Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar took a closer look at why Mathieu could be a solid fit for Seattle.
“When there are this many holes to be filled with developmental players, teams should find as many versatile veterans as possible,” Farrar explains. “Mathieu certainly fits that description – through his career with the Cardinals and Texans, he’s played everywhere from outside cornerback to slot defender to deep safety. Mathieu isn’t quite the defender he once was, and he still gambles too often, but he would provide experience and athleticism to a secondary looking to redefine itself.”
Mathieu was originally selected by the Cardinals in the third round of the 2013 NFL draft and spent five seasons in Arizona before signing a one-year deal worth $7 million with Houston last season.
The Texans will surely do what they can to keep Mathieu on the roster, but if he ultimately walks, the Seahawks should at least keep the versatile defensive back on their radar.
