NFL free agency 2019: Top 50 available players

By Conor Myles | Feb 6, 2019

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 31: Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) lines up before the snap during the NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans on December 31, 2017, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via 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) /

14. Tyrann Mathieu, S

Mathieu is a superstar-caliber defensive back that took a step backward after joining the Houston Texans. The former third-round draft pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 2013 joined Houston on a one-year deal in early March following his release from Arizona.

After playing a career-high 1,114 snaps in 2018, Mathieu allowed six touchdowns (tying his career-high) and 594 receiving yards, also a career-high. Missed tackles were also an issue for Mathieu—the hybrid safety lost 11 total.

It’s fair to question Mathieu’s fit in Houston. His counterpart, Kareem Jackson, stepped up in his transition to safety during a contract year. Further, Mathieu is scheduled to hit the open market along with star pass rusher, Jadeveon Clowney, which should drop Mathieu down the priority list for the Texans. Mathieu is still capable of being a star in the NFL and teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars or San Francisco 49ers should have interest in the defensive back.

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