Chiefs: Signing Justin Reid over Tyrann Mathieu pays off early with Patrick Mahomes interception

The Chiefs’ signing of Justin Reid over Tyrann Mathieu is paying off early after Reid hauled in an INT off of Patrick Mahomes in Day One of training camp.

Chiefs training camp is underway, and Day One was highlighted by a couple of great catches —one of which came in the form of a Justin Reid interception of Patrick Mahomes.

https://twitter.com/mitch_riberal/status/1552365546477338627?s=21

With camps kicking off across the league this week, NFL chatter has shifted from the dead space that is the first three weeks of July — when there is next to nothing to talk about — into the most hyperbolic and overblown stage of the offseason, where something is made of nothing every single day. The interception featured in the video was off of an uncharacteristic underthrow from Mahomes, who, like everyone in camp,  is knocking off the rust. However, no matter how early on it may be, any success for Justin Reid is a welcome sign to Chiefs Kingdom after fans watched the team move on from Tyrann Mathieu this offseason.

Justin Reid faces challenge of replacing Tyrann Mathieu for the second time in his career.

On March 14th, the Chiefs signed Justin Reid to a three-year deal worth $31.5 million. At that time, Tyrann Mathieu was still a looming free agent — he later signed with the Saints — and it became clear that the team was ready to move in a new direction. Reid came to Kansas City facing a challenge that he is not unfamiliar with: replacing Tyrann Mathieu.

In 2018, which was Reid’s rookie season with the Houston Texans, Mathieu was in his final contract year in Houston. The responsibility of filling a veteran’s shoes was the first that Reid took on as a pro. It is a funny coincidence that the task ahead of him in 2022 is so similar, but it comes with higher expectations this go-around. In his stint with the Chiefs, Mathieu was a three-time Pro Bowler, a two-time first-team All-Pro selection, and the unquestioned leader of the Super Bowl 54 championship team.

It’s just the first day of practice, and the players are yet to throw on pads, but from what we’ve seen thus far, the Justin Reid signing seems to be paying off for the AFC West champs.