:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63220794/1052124264.jpg.0.jpg)
The Kansas City Chiefs are signing former Houston Texans safety Tyrann Mathieu to a three-year deal worth $42 million. That equates to $14 million per year, the same amount of money the Chiefs freed up by releasing linebacker Justin Houston on Sunday.
Former Texans’ S Tyrann Mathieu intends to sign a three-year, $42 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, per a league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2019
Friend of the site Terez Paylor speculated about the news a few moments before Schefter’s report.
From another friend of the site, Joel Thorman: “If you’ve read AP in the last 10 years, you know I love me a big free agent signing. This one I love, too. The move comes at a big area of need for the Chiefs, which is the pass defense. That was viewed as the one area that stopped the Chiefs from going to the Super Bowl last year, so credit Brett Veach for hitting on the needs.
“I also love this move because — not to sound like a “football guy” here — the Honey Badger strikes me as someone who loves football. That passion reminds me of Eric Berry. Matthieu is going to be a really easy dude to root for.
“Speaking of, uh, about Eric Berry? My guess is this doesn’t affect Berry in 2019 but, yeah, everyone is wondering about KC’s emotional leader. The money says Berry is probably going to be a Chief next season but three games in the last two years makes you wonder. The money is high but it’s not my money so count me as a fan of this move from the Chiefs.”
Yet one more friend of the site, Kent Babb of the Washington Post and formerly of the KC Star, wrote the piece on the Honey Badger you need to read.
Poll
Grade the signing of Damien Wilson to the Chiefs
This poll is closed
-
39%
A
(4043 votes) -
36%
B
(3707 votes) -
18%
C
(1886 votes) -
3%
D
(387 votes) -
1%
F
(197 votes)
Reactions to the signing
Chiefs fans, get to know Tyrann Mattieu (via @kentbabb) https://t.co/SFnlZfghEy
— Joel Thorman (@JoelThorman) March 12, 2019
The #Chiefs wanted to get themselves a tone/culture changer on the defensive side of the ball, particularly in the secondary. They wanted a guy who will compete every week. They got that guy in Tyrann Mathieu.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 11, 2019
As for Tyrann Matthieu, he is a darn good player. Even more so, and why it’s better to pay him 14 than two S 7/each is he’s a fantastic leader.
— Matt Lane (@ChiefinCarolina) March 11, 2019
This defense needs stability and a leader, Collins, ET, And Honey Badger were the 3 that brought the most of that.
No offense to Landon Collins but Tyrann Matthieu is worth $14 Mil per because he is a “do it all” player on the back end. Can play either safety position and play slot CB. Not to mention only a 3 yr deal. @Chiefs #nfl #FreeAgency #offseason #DBU #honeybadger
— Abdulla (@abdulla_12_92) March 11, 2019
January 20th tweet from Honey Badger... https://t.co/b04y07Vkw6
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 11, 2019
New @Chiefs signing: DB Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era)
— PFF KC Chiefs (@PFF_Chiefs) March 11, 2019
-84.6 grade in 2013
-90.7 grade in 2015 (#10 in #PFFTop101)
-2018: 75.1 overall, 83.9 run D, 70.6 coverage, career high 3 sacks
-64+ tackling grade every season
-300+ snaps each at slot, free, and box in 2018#ChiefsKingdom
I love the Honey Badger, but that is a lot of cash
— ChiefBearcat (@Chief_Bearcat) March 11, 2019
With the #Chiefs getting the Honey Badger and already having a @cheetah, the rest of the team needs to nickname themselves into the rest of the wild animal park. #ChiefsZoo
— David Eulitt (@davidphotokc) March 12, 2019
Honey Badger - Bring the Ring! pic.twitter.com/pLULLahhxi
— Ladner Morse (@Laddiemorse) March 12, 2019