Before the start of free agency, Tyrann Mathieu took to social media to silence a rumor that he could be playing for a team besides the New Orleans Saints in 2025. The veteran safety kept his message short and sweet, saying, “504 forever!! I am New Orleans!” That put to bed any speculation that he and the Saints could part ways this offseason.
On Tuesday, he and the team made things official, agreeing to a new one-year contract that ties Mathieu to the Saints for the 2025 season. The veteran safety already had one year left on his prior deal, but with a cap hit just north of $11 million, the team wanted to bring that number down. Of course, Mathieu would rather take a pay cut than be released, so he agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $7.2 million.
Tyrann Mathieu works out a new deal to stay with the Saints
Keeping Mathieu around for next season was an important move for New Orleans, as the team has already lost several starters in the secondary. Of course, Marshon Lattimore was traded last season, and both cornerback Paulson Adebo and safety Will Harris moved on in free agency— Adebo to the New York Giants and Harris to the Washington Commanders.
Mathieu sticking around will provide the secondary some stability and veteran leadership, but also a really good player still. In 2024, he played in all 17 games, recording 62 tackles, two forced fumbles, seven pass deflections, and three interceptions. He’ll now return for his fourth season with the Saints, and the 13th year of his career.
There’s a belief that 2025 could be the final year of his legendary career as well. He has often spoke about how much he enjoys playing his final years in his city, so it seems unlikely that he’ll sign elsewhere after this deal expires.