The Kansas City Chiefs lost one of the most important players on their defense in free agency, as safety Justin Reid signed a big contract with the Atlanta Falcons. While the Chiefs still have one of the best rosters in the league, losing a dependable presence like Reid will hurt.
However, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox believes that Kansas City can recover from this loss by bringing back a familiar face: Tyrann Mathieu.
“Mathieu previously spent three seasons in Kansas City, earning two Pro Bowl selections and one First-Team All-Pro nod. The Chiefs have roughly $20.4 million in cap space and could afford to bring back a familiar face who already understands Steve Spagnuolo’s system,” Knox wrote.
Mathieu left Kansas City after the 2021 season and spent the past two years with the New Orleans Saints. During that time, the safety remained a productive player, even if he’s not quite at the same elite level he once was.
The Honey Badger started all 17 games for the Saints in 2023, finishing the season with 75 tackles, three interceptions, and two passes defended. While those numbers are solid, his leadership and experience might be even more valuable to a young Chiefs secondary.
Kansas City already boasts a young and talented group of defensive backs led by Trent McDuffie, L’Jarius Sneed (if he returns), and Bryan Cook. Adding Tyrann Mathieu to that mix would give the Chiefs a veteran leader who knows what it takes to win a Super Bowl.
The Chiefs are in full win-now mode, and the window will remain open as long as Patrick Mahomes is under center. If the defending Super Bowl champions want to maintain their dynasty, they’ll need to make sure the defense is ready to go.
Bringing back Tyrann Mathieu could be the perfect way to ensure they don’t miss a beat.
