SAINTS, SAFETY MATHIEU AGREE TO 3-YEAR DEAL
The New Orleans Saints and Tyrann Mathieu have agreed to a three-year, $33 million contract, reuniting the All-Pro safety with his hometown team, a person familiar with the terms told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
The person confirmed the contract, first reported by ESPN.com, on condition of anonymity because it was not yet signed. It includes $18 million guaranteed, a sizable investment for a safety who turns 30 next week.
The Saints had been searching for help at the position after Marcus Williams signed with the Ravens in free agency and Malcom Jenkins announced his retirement in March. The only defensive back they drafted was Tennessee’s Alontae Taylor in the second round, but he is expected to remain at his natural cornerback position.
By signing Mathieu after Monday’s deadline, he will not count against the Saints in the formula for compensatory picks.
Mathieu spent the past three seasons in Kansas City, where he helped the
Chiefs make three consecutive AFC title games, reach two Super Bowls and win their first championship in 50 years. And the two sides had discussed an extension during last offseason, but they were never close to reaching an agreement, leaving Mathieu’s status uncertain last season.
It became clear he would not return when the Chiefs signed former Texans safety Justin Reid early in free
agency.
Mathieu was raised by his grandparents in the Central City neighborhood of New Orleans, then became a star football player and track athlete for St. Augustine High School.
He also has deep ties to LSU, where he earned the nickname “Honey Badger” with his tenacious play. He played two seasons for the Tigers, and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy and won the Bednarik Award as the nation’s top defensive player after his sophomore season.
Steelers sign Kazee
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed free agent safety Damontae Kazee to a one-year contract. The financial terms were not disclosed.
Kazee, who played at San Diego State, spent the 2021 season in Dallas, making 52 tackles and finishing with two interceptions in 17 games, with 15 starts.
Local signees
Eight college football players with high school ties to San Diego have signed with NFL teams as undrafted free agents.
Heading the list is USC defensive back Isaac Taylor-Stuart (Helix), who signed with the Dallas Cowboys.
Weber State’s Rashid Shaheed (Mt. Carmel), a receiver who is one of the toprated kick returners, has signed with the New Orleans Saints.
Oregon running back CJ Verdell (Mater Dei Catholic) signed with the Indianapolis Colts.
Linebacker Jordan Genmark
Heath (Cathedral Catholic), who started his college career at Notre Dame and finished at UCLA, signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Air Force receiver Brandon Lewis (Madison) signed with the Tennessee Titans.
Boise State offensive lineman Jake Stetz (Mission Hills) has received tryout offers from the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks.
San Diego State offensive lineman William Dunkle (Eastlake) signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, while Aztecs running back Greg Bell (Bonita Vista) is headed to the Detroit Lions.
JOHN MAFFEI
Notable
A person familiar with the team’s plans tells The Associated Press that the Browns intend to hire Eagles executive Catherine Raiche as a high-ranking member of Cleveland’s front office
The NFL hired 10 new onfield officials, including the first Asian American to officiate in the league. Lo van Pham was born in Vietnam and after a stop in the Philippines, moved to the United States when he was 7.