There was a lot of concern around New Orleans of the reason why newly-acquired Saints safety, Tyrann Mathieu, was absent from the start of training camp. According to multiple reports, Mathieu missed last week for a personal family matter. The Saints remained patient throughout the process and it gave New Orleans the chance to develop their depth in the secondary. Dennis Allen allowed Mathieu the space he needed and was going to welcome him back whenever he was ready.
“We’re kind of allowing him the space to handle what he needs to handle, and we’ll be sitting here with open arms when he’s ready to come back.”
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The former LSU standout signed a three-year, $28.3 million deal with the Saints in May and is expected to have a starting role on the Saints defense. Mathieu will be the starting safety alongside Marcus Maye, who was also acquired during the offseason.
Mathieu led the Chiefs’ defense last season with three interceptions and three fumble recoveries. He also ranked second in total tackles with 76.
The New Orleans native was originally drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round in the 2013 draft. He was had stints with the Cardinals (2013-17), Houston Texans (2018) and Kansas City Chiefs (2019-21). In his 120 starts throughout his NFL career, Mathieu has posted 605 tackles and 41 tackles for loss. He also has ten sacks for loss of 78 yards and 26 interceptions for 335 return yards.
Mathieu has received three Pro Bowl selections and three Associated Press All-Pro Teams. He was also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2010’s All-Decade Team.