Tyrann Mathieu rumors: 5 best fits in NFL free agency

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) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 30: Houston Texans safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) warms up on the field before the NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans on September 30, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Houston Texans

It shouldn’t be overlooked just how much Mathieu seemed to enjoy his football with the Texans last year. Returning to a team that finished 11-5 and played him strictly at his preferred role at free safety will definitely interest the talented safety.

The Texans also have a real need to upgrade their secondary heading into next season. Losing an above average starter like Mathieu might make that an impossible offseason goal for the team’s front office. The decision will ultimately come down to price, but expect the Texans to explore the idea of bringing Mathieu back.

One interesting aspect of their negotiations with the player is that their scheme doesn’t use Mathieu to his full potential. He likes being left in the final third to patrol the field at free safety, but that isn’t necessarily where he’s at his best. In a strange way, the Texans might not bring Mathieu back because the way they played him in 2018 didn’t allow him to give the team maximum value.

The Houston coaching staff still understands what a talent Mathieu is. Even if his statistics don’t make him look like a Pro Bowler, they know he covers up a lot of sins for their defense. Expect the Texans to stay in the bidding for Mathieu as long as they can afford to.

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