Chiefs Predicted To Sign 'Honey Badger' in Reunion

The Kansas City Chiefs have earned the right to some down time.

Their pursuit of a third straight Super Bowl win - which would have been unprecedented - failed, of course, as they were stunningly manhandled in Super Bowl LIX in a 40-22 Philadelphia Eagles win.

So the Chiefs get to rest. For a minute.

And the Chiefs get to lick their wounds. For a minute.

And then? It's back to the roster-building drawing board.

Standout defensive back Justin Reid is one of many KC names on the "wish list'' of sorts as he is about to be a free agent, with the NFL shopping spree window set to open on March 12.

If Reid chases a big payday elsewhere, as is his right, the Chiefs might need to pay to bring in a replacement.

And maybe a reunion will be in order.

Reid was a 16-game starter this season and has been a key part of a defense of the Chiefs that was top-notch for the year in support of QB Patrick Mahomes.

There are now projections that Reid, who signed a three-year, $31 million deal in 2022, might be in line for a three-year deal now that totals over $50 million.

And so we have a piece from a national website predicting that the Chiefs will sign New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu in free agency to replace Reid.

"Mathieu hasn't broken down as quickly as the Chiefs thought when they move on from him after 2021, and the team could be in the market for a safety with Justin Reid headed toward free agency," writes Yardbarker. "The Chiefs have some safety talent behind Reid, but Mathieu would fit as a cheaper veteran leader in his return."

Mathieu played for the Chiefs for three seasons and was a big-time playmaker as he earned First-Team All-Pro honors twice during his stint here.

The "Honey Badger'' turns 33 in May, so while he has been named an All-Pro three times and a Pro Bowler three times in his career, he is obviously on the backside of his run.

In his last three seasons, he he has 10 interceptions, three forced fumbles and one sack ... suggesting he is still the playmaker he was when he was with the Chiefs ... and suggesting there is some sense to envisioning a reunion.