Tyrann Mathieu would be a dream signing for the Baltimore Ravens, who desperately need secondary reinforcements in 2022. Here’s why it could actually happen.
A few weeks ago, Ravens players started recruiting the Kansas City Chiefs star safety, and since then more speculation has arisen over Mathieu’s future. With no contract extension in place, Mathieu may be seriously looking for a new home in 2022 after the Chiefs’ disappointing playoffs exit.
He’ll want to play for a playoff contender, no doubt, but he’ll also expect a lucrative contract. The Ravens can give him both of those things.
PFF’s Arjun Menon predicted landing spots for the top 50 free agents this offseason and had Mathieu ending up in Baltimore:
"“All signs have pointed to the Chiefs and Mathieu splitting up, and his playmaking skills would be welcome anywhere. The Ravens’ needs are tough to evaluate because their entire secondary was hurt last year, but they were interested in Mathieu when he was a free agent in 2019, so he could be on their radar again given their current situation at safety.”"
The Ravens are predicted to land safety Tyrann Mathieu in 2022
Menon elaborated on Mathieu’s potential fit in the Ravens’ defensive scheme in the post-Martindale era.
Evidently, defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald has some familiarity with using uber-versatile safeties like Mathieu — at Michigan, he employed current 2022 prospect Daxton Hill all over the defense and found considerable success.
He could do the same with Mathieu, who has proven his talents and efficacy in three honors-studded years with the Chiefs.
Mathieu started 16 of 17 regular-season games for Kansas City in 2021 racking up 76 tackles and three interceptions, and his ability to stay healthy for most of his career only makes him more desirable to Baltimore.
After their 2021 injury plague, the Ravens will be looking to rebuild a secondary unit that ranked near the bottom of the league in yards allowed last season.
Pairing Mathieu with an elite cornerback like Marcus Peters could make the Ravens’ pass defense one of the most invincible in the league while younger players can continue to develop into starting roles.
Signing Mathieu would also mean the Ravens can let DeShon Elliott walk in free agency and avoid a potential bidding war.
Of course, bringing on Mathieu won’t come cheap (PFF predicts a three-year deal worth roughly $50 million), but a safety of Mathieu’s caliber would be worth every penny.