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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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 16: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sidelines against the Seattle Seahawks during an NFL football game at Levi’s Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

2. San Francisco 49ers

Everything went wrong for the ‘Niners last year when Jimmy Garoppolo went down to a season ending injury. That doesn’t mean San Francisco is waiting for his return to cure all of their problems. Instead, expect the team to be very active in free agency this offseason.

Safety is a clear need for the team. With all due respect to Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt, neither guy is in Mathieu’s league as a player. The Honey Badger would immediately become the best player in San Francisco’s secondary if he committed his future to the Bay Area franchise.

Adding Mathieu could also help San Francisco get the most out of last year’s big free agent acquisition, Richard Sherman. The former Seahawks cornerback had a good year in 2018, but he’s not quite the same athlete that he used to be. Having Mathieu protecting him over the top would allow him to be a much more aggressive defender in 2019.

The big question about San Francisco’s offseason is whether or not they’ll try to fix their pass rush via free agency or the draft. If they choose to use a high draft pick to find an edge rusher, they’ll have the cap space to bring in Mathieu. If they go the other way, they may be forced to find an impact safety they like early in the draft. Either way, both needs must be met to get these team to the postseason.

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