NFL Analysis Network

Tyrann Mathieu Named Potential Late Free Agency Target For 49ers

With the 2022 NFL Draft just about a week away, teams are focused on perfecting their draft boards and figuring out which prospects they are going to target when they are on the clock. This will provide organizations an opportunity to fill some holes on their roster with a young player, but if they are unable to fill all of the voids, free agency still presents some solid options. The San Francisco 49ers could be a team to watch still.

There are a few great players remaining available to sign despite free agency being well over a month into things. One of the best players still available is safety Tyrann Mathieu.

Mathieu was one of the better players entering free agency this offseason yet remains unsigned. The Kansas City Chiefs signaled early on that they were likely moving on when they signed Houston Texans safety Justin Reid.

With Reid in the mix, Kansas City no longer has a need for Mathieu. So, where could the versatile safety end up going? One potential landing spot could be the 49ers, who are gearing up for what they hope is another deep run in the playoffs.

The 49ers’ secondary last season was an Achilles heel for the defense. They were unable to slow down Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr. with any success in the NFC Championship Game, which is a big reason why they lost and didn’t advance to the Super Bowl.

They signed Mathieu’s former teammate, cornerback Charvarius Ward, to upgrade at cornerback. Adding Mathieu to the mix would further turn what was a weakness last season into a strength for the team.

Mathieu is a do-it-all safety that can fit into virtually any defensive scheme. He is as impactful lining up as a deep safety, playing in the box or in the slot. Mathieu has become extremely durable as well, averaging over 1,000 snaps per season since 2017.

So, why is he remaining a free agent this long into free agency? Age may be a factor, as Mathieu is going to turn 30 in a few weeks. What he is looking for length-wise when it comes to his salary may not line up with what teams are willing to offer.

But, the longer that he remains a free agent, likely the better value a team will get. If he is looking for a team that will compete for a Super Bowl more than cashing in on a big contract, the 49ers could present a good fit. If they are able to find a taker for Jimmy Garoppolo, they will open up a significant amount of cap space that could then be used to sign Mathieu to a sizable contract.

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