Hunting The Honey Badger: Where Will Tyrann Mathieu go?

Fearsome and Ferocious

The honey badger is one of the most intimidating animals on the planet despite its small size. It is thick skinned, strong, and well-known for its ferocious defensive abilities. This exact description can be applied to Tyrann Mathieu. Standing at just 5’9”, 190 lbs., he has arguably been the best safety in football since his college days at LSU. In his two seasons there, he had 4 interceptions, 6 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, and 8 fumble recoveries. In his sophomore season in 2011, he was a consensus All-American, won the Chuck Bednarik Award as the best defensive player in college football, and was a Heisman Trophy finalist. Not bad for a honey badger.

Now, the question lingering on everyone’s mind is simple; why is this highly talented, hard hitter still on the market? He is coming off a recent Super Bowl victory in 2020, back-to-back pro bowl appearances, and a track record of great safety play that speaks for itself. He is still in the prime of his career, has only missed two games in the past five seasons, and provides exceptional help over the top that would make any quarterback think twice before throwing his way. There has been speculation since the end of the season that he will return to the Chiefs, and he would be foolish not to with the recent success he has enjoyed. However, the team has left him on the free agency market and made no attempts to sign him.

In the past few days, although the market has been quiet, things have been heating up for the fearless free safety. The New Orleans Saints are looking to fill their void at the position with the recent retirement of Malcolm Jenkins and departure of Marcus Williams to the Baltimore Ravens. It is worth it to note that Mathieu is a native of New Orleans along with his previous playing days at LSU. The Philadelphia Eagles have also made the rounds as a potential landing spot considering starting safety and Super Bowl contributor Rodney McLeod is a free agent as well. With Terrell Edmunds seemingly out of Pittsburgh and the news of head coach Mike Tomlin calling him over the phone, Mathieu could find himself in black and gold next season for the Steelers. It would pair him with a defense that is as tough and gritty as he is.

Honey Badger Don’t care

Anywhere he chooses to go, it is certain that Mathieu will make an immediate impact. He is a brand name and gives any defense a strong presence that will strike fear in opposing offenses. Safeties are the unsung heroes of defenses, and they are often overlooked in a league that has valued cornerbacks and big, powerful defensive lines for so long. Sure, Mathieu will be 30 when the season starts but that is not a valid reason to leave him on the open market this long. He provides strong leadership qualities and can spark a locker room and push players to a higher level of play. Wherever he goes, the honey badger does not care, he just wants to prove he is the king of the vast NFL landscape.