NFL Rumors: Chiefs' Tyrann Mathieu to Test Free Agency; Latest on Potential Contract

Kansas City Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu is reportedly "going to test the market" as a free agent this offseason, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network:

Rapoport noted the Chiefs could still re-sign him, but he could "[break] double digits" for his yearly salary in his next deal.

Mathieu had previously suggested on social media that the Chiefs could try to replace him this offseason:

The 29-year-old earned his third career Pro Bowl selection in 2021 and has been named a first-team All-Pro three times.

Mathieu's 76 tackles tied for third on the team last season. He added three fumble recoveries, three interceptions and one defensive touchdown. His game-changing plays helped the Chiefs finish last year eighth in points allowed and to make a run to the AFC Championship Game.

Kansas City has also been to the Super Bowl twice, winning once, since Mathieu joined the organization in 2019.

Despite the on-field success, general manager Brett Veach said before the season that cap issues held back extension talks.

"The landscape is super tricky," Veach said in August. 

The Chiefs currently have $11.5 million of cap space available, per Spotrac, but ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Monday that the team will use the franchise tag on offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr., which will cut into that number.

If it costs the team the opportunity to re-sign Mathieu, there would be a significant hole in the back of the defense. The veteran played 89.2 percent of defensive snaps last season (most on the team), and his absence was notable when he suffered an injury in the divisional round of the playoffs against the Buffalo Bills. 

With Daniel Sorensen and Armani Watts also hitting free agency at the start of the new league year March 16, safety is a major need for Kansas City in the offseason.