Tyrann Mathieu suddenly stepped away from football right before the New Orleans Saints started training camp. It was a surprise to every fan, so it may also come as a surprise that Mathieu is floating the idea of a return out there with Kay Adams. Matter of fact, it sounds like it's something he can't wait to do.
Mathieu told Adams that he'd return to play for a team like Houston. From there, the best back and forth on the situation occurred. Adams points out that Mathieu sounds like a player who wants to come back. He first says "yea" then shrugs off Adams' inquiry with "who wouldn't." Thankfully, she appropriately says people who are retired. It's actually simple.
There were a couple of times where coming out of retirement was approached. First Adams asked Mathieu if he could come back to play for the Kansas City Chiefs, and his answer was, "I'm not going to say no." Adams pointed out that Mathieu seemed much more open to the idea of playing than he did four months ago. He didn't disagree and pointed to wanting to see his friends win. Surely there's more to it.
Tyrann Mathieu isn't the first recent Saints retiree to tease a return to football
Before Mathieu, Carr surprised Saints fans with his retirement. Both of these announcements felt sudden, and both players have left the door open to return in the time since their retirement. Mathieu just did in a much more blatant fashion, however.
One important way in which Mathieu and Carr differ. Carr had an injury that clouds his future. There's a question of if he's even able to play. That question isn't present for Mathieu. Also, he prepared for the season all the way until July. He's likely still able to pass a physical, unlike Frank Ragnow.
Mathieu floating this out about Houston specifically says he's given this some thought. The safety says he needs the right situation. Seeing that Mathieu just retired from the Saints and they're already eliminated from playoff contention, the Saints don't fit the bill. If he's serious about returning, he's still under contract with the Saints. There would have to be some negotiation around his release, if he wants to come back to play for the Texans.