Chiefs S Tyrann Mathieu focused on football, unfazed by lack of contract extension
The Kansas City Chiefs kicked off training camp this year with the goal of getting back to the Super Bowl. A team retooled with a new offensive line and several extra pieces on defense has high expectations once again, but there is still some financial business not quite finalized.
Safety Tyrann Mathieu has been a vital piece to the resurgent Chiefs’ defense since signing with the franchise during the 2019 offseason. Intensity and leadership are all qualities that have earned him praise and respect around the league.
Mathieu is entering the final season of his three-year $42-million-dollar contract with Kansas CIty. Both he and the Chiefs have, so far, been unable to come to an agreement on a contract extension this offseason. The former LSU star shared his thoughts on contract negotiations during Wednesday’s conversation with reporters.
“I’m not disappointed at all,” said Mathieu. “I think most people that know me, know I love to play football, so I haven’t had a chance to do that. It’s all about my teammates; it’s all about the guys around me and me just continuing to try to be who I am and not letting anything outside of that kind of influence how I operate day-to-day.”
The Chiefs have been able to work out extensions on other key players such as Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones, who signed extensions last offseason. The goal appears to be to try and find common ground with Mathieu during training camp. The track record of general manager Brett Veach has been good in these situations as the veteran defensive back is more focused on the play on the field and far from discouraged.
“No, not really,” Mathieu said. “I think most players would like to have things done before they get to the season, but like I said, I’m all about ball. I love ball, so it’s important for me to stay focused on that. Let other things just handle themselves.”
Chiefs CEO and Chairman Clark Hunt also commented on Mathieu’s contract situation on Wednesday. He too shared optimism that something would get done.
“Well, Tyrann (Mathieu) is the ultimate professional and really has been his entire career in the league, and definitely with his couple years with us,” said Hunt “I know he’s going to be at his very best this year. I’ve heard Tyrann say that he would like to extend his career in Kansas City, and we feel the same way about that. Hopefully, that will work out. The timing is obviously uncertain.”
Training camp has just begun, but the clock is ticking on getting a deal done before the start of the 2021 NFL season. With a future contract extension for LT Orlando Brown Jr. also looming, it’s important to get Mathieu under contract as soon as possible.
