Ebony Bird
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Baltimore Ravens: 3 reasons they must sign Tyrann Mathieu

By Chris Schisler

JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 21: Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Houston Texans celebrates following a fumble recovery during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on October 21, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 21: Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Houston Texans celebrates following a fumble recovery during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on October 21, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 23: Free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Houston Texans celebrates an interception by inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney #55 (not pictured) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 23: Free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Houston Texans celebrates an interception by inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney #55 (not pictured) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

2. Mathieu and Tony Jefferson are a proven combination:

Tony Jefferson used to be teammates with Mathieu with the Arizona Cardinals. In 2015, Mathieu and Jefferson combined for 167 tackles, 22 passes defensed and seven interceptions. Playing alongside Jefferson, Mathieu had a career high five interceptions that season. Earlier in their career the Cardinals had one of the most productive safety combinations in football. The Ravens could recreate that pairing in Baltimore.

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Jefferson and Mathieu have become better players since their time with the Cardinals. Jefferson has become one of the most underappreciated players on a good Ravens defense. Mathieu is a former Pro Bowl player who has is coming off a good season with the Houston Texans. Mathieu would offer more range at the free safety position than Weddle. His speed combined with his physicality and versatility is the perfect match for Jefferson.

There is a lot of talk about the Ravens defense being a question mark in 2019. C.J. Mosley may leave, Terrell Suggs still hasn’t re-signed and Weddle has been released. With a secondary consisting of Mathieu, Jefferson, Marlon Humphrey, Jimmy Smith, Brandon Carr and Tavon Young, the Ravens would have the most talented grouping of defensive backs in the NFL. The Ravens had a good pass defense in 2018. Mathieu would be an upgrade that could take it to the next level.

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