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Raiders: Best free agent fits available entering 2022 NFL Draft

By Alex Perl

Dec 17, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; A general view of a Las Vegas Raiders helmet at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; A general view of a Las Vegas Raiders helmet at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – AUGUST 20: Free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Kansas City Chiefs on the sidelines during the first half of the NFL preseason game at State Farm Stadium on August 20, 2021, in Glendale, Arizona. The Chiefs defeated the Cardinals 17-10. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – AUGUST 20: Free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Kansas City Chiefs on the sidelines during the first half of the NFL preseason game at State Farm Stadium on August 20, 2021, in Glendale, Arizona. The Chiefs defeated the Cardinals 17-10. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Raiders: Best free agent fits available entering the 2022 NFL Draft

Tyrann Mathieu – Safety

Tyrann Mathieu is a name that remains on the lips of nearly every fan as we enter the twilight of free agency.

After three seasons as a Kansas City Chief – he was shockingly not brought back, and let go as a free agent. Shocking, because in his three seasons in Kansas City, he has been named an All-Pro performer twice, with the same number going for Pro Bowl appearances, and a title in 2019.

The impact Mathieu has had on the Chiefs’ defense over the last few years; has truly been immense. Described as the ‘quarterback’ of the Chiefs defense, he has been the heart and soul of the Chiefs defensive system since he arrived from the Houston Texans after the 2018 season.

The Raiders have a hole at safety, whether anyone likes to admit it or not. But former first-round safety Johnathan Abram has not played to the pedigree expected of a day one selection. If not injured, the 25-year-old plays a risky style of game – instead of providing coverage, he tends to attack and rely on heavy hits. This style of play leads to many blown plays in coverage, and as solid as rookie safety Trevon Moehrig was last season, his play can not make up for the high-risk play of Abrams.

If the Raiders were somehow able to meet the necessary number to bring in Mathieu, it would be a very welcomed addition to this secondary. A secondary that has struggled consistently for many years now. With what will be a likely improved sophomore season for Moehrig, a possible couple of stars in the making in cornerbacks Rock Ya-Sin and nickel back Nate Hobbs – adding Mathieu would not only give the franchise a veteran leader but one of the most devastating secondaries in all of football.

Mathieu would change the entire fortunes of this defense, and make it one of the best in the league. His name is one to monitor. With so many admirers, it is hard to call just where Mathieu will land. But Vegas should surely keep its ears open for Tyrann Mathieu.

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