Free agent stock watch: Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu

The former LSU Tiger was drafted in the third round by the Cardinals in 2013. He was solid through his first couple of pro seasons, but he truly broke out in his Year 3 with five interceptions and 17 passes defensed en route to first-team All-Pro honors. Despite the ACL tear that capped Mathieu's 2015, the Cardinals rewarded the rangy safety with an eye-popping five-year, $62.5 million extension just before the start of ’16.

His first foray into free agency came in 2018, when he refused to take a pay cut. Three days later, the Texans took a flier on Mathieu with a one-year, $7 million deal. The next year, he moved on to the Chiefs, who furnished him with a three-year, $42 million contract. Rejuvenated in K.C., he went on to capture a Super Bowl ring and nab 10 interceptions over the next two years.

Now Mathieu sits in a contract year once again. He’s seen his value fluctuate from a rookie deal to $12.5 million per annum to $7 million all the way to his current contract, valuing him at $14 million per year.

He’s had a good a year so far — two picks, one pick-six, five passes defensed and a sack for good measure. Still, he’ll need a bigger second half in order to land the kind of deal that he wants. Fortunately, there’s still plenty of time to pad the highlight reel and ample opportunity as the Chiefs make their playoff push.

Mathieu is unlikely to top Jamal Adams ($17.5 million per year), but there’s reason to believe that he could approach Harrison Smith‘s deal ($16 million per year). After all, Smith inked his four-year re-up in his age 32 season. Mathieu, meanwhile, won’t turn 30 until May.

While Mathieu does have a bit of an injury history, he’s got plenty of gas left in the tank and an All-Pro skill set to offset any concerns. As long as he keeps his foot on the pedal, Mathieu should still be able to command top dollar for his services this spring.