A blockbuster trade proposal has the New Orleans Saints trading Pro Bowl safety Tyrann Mathieu to a top AFC team in a move that would take their elite defense to an even higher level.
Tyrann Mathieu, who turns 33 in May, is signed for one more year. Though he’s been a key contributor to New Orleans’ defense, the NFC South club is coming off a fourth straight non-playoff season that should culminate in significant roster changes.
With Mathieu still playing at a high level, the Saints should give him the chance to compete for another Super Bowl while clearing out his hefty $11.3 million cap hit. And if GM Mickey Loomis shops Mathieu, there won’t be a shortage of teams interested in the three-time Pro Bowler.
Bleacher Report’s Maurice Moton proposed a blockbuster trade idea that has New Orleans trading Tyrann Mathieu to the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round draft pick:
“Playoff-caliber teams may value Mathieu’s leadership qualities, experience on a Super Bowl-winning team and his elite ball production. He could be one of the missing pieces to a squad trying to open its title-contending window.
If the Chargers want a versatile defensive back who can bring more to the secondary, Mathieu fits the bill as one of the league’s top ball hawks.”
The Chargers had the NFL’s No. 1 scoring defense under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh in 2024, allowing just 17.7 points per game. But key starters Khalil Mack and Asante Samuel Jr. are pending free agents and far from guarantees to return, and you can never have too many game-changing defensive players in today’s offense-heavy NFL.So Chargers GM Joe Hortiz should be eyeing marquee talents to improve an already stout defense, and a player like Mathieu would improve this defense even more.
Tyrann Mathieu Had Another Excellent Season In 2024
Because New Orleans has been mired in mediocrity since Drew Brees’ retirement, it feels like Mathieu’s elite production has been overlooked since he came to the Saints in 2022.
Well, Mathieu is still among the league’s best safeties and could be the ultimate difference-maker for a team like the Chargers. He had three interceptions, seven pass breakups, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in 2024.
