Chiefs’ Clark Hunt says ‘plans haven’t changed’ in desire to keep Tyrann Mathieu in KC
The Chiefs were hoping to get a contract extension done with safety Tyrann Mathieu before the start of the 2021 season.
Nothing’s happened yet because of salary cap implications, but Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt emphasized Thursday that the team remains hopeful that it can keep Mathieu in Kansas City.
“Those plans haven’t changed at all,” Hunt said. “It was something that we discussed with Tyrann and his representative in the offseason before we started playing regular-season games. But really, once we got in the season, it’s really best for both parties to wait for the end of the year.”
Mathieu is playing in the final year of his original three-year deal, which pays a base salary of $14.5 million.
The Chiefs and Mathieu have said multiple times over the past year that they want remain together, a stance the 29-year-old safety repeated as recently as Oct. 30.
“I’m all-in on Kansas City,” he said then. “I’m all in on my teammates.”
Mathieu has done his part to warrant a new contract since joining the Chiefs in 2019. He has become a clear team leader on the field, earning two straight All-Pro selections and helping the Chiefs reach two straight Super Bowls, including their championship in Super Bowl LIV.
Through 10 games this season, Mathieu is tied with linebacker Willie Gay Jr. for the team lead in interceptions (each player has two). Mathieu, who missed the season opener because he was on the reserve/COVID-19 list, ranks third on the Chiefs in tackles (46) and has one sack, a quarterback hit and a fumble recovery.
The Chiefs would prefer to not lose the veteran safety when negotiations are back on the table.
“We would obviously love to have Tyrann back, not only for his play on the field, but his leadership, as well,” Hunt said.
This story was originally published November 18, 2021 at 12:12 PM.
