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The Saints may already have Tyrann Mathieu's replacement on their roster following the veteran's decision to retire

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 7:25 PM ET

The New Orleans Saints were not floored on Tuesday afternoon when long-time safety and former All-Pro Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement from the NFL. That being said, the roster movement that could happen for New Orleans' defensive unit now is something to watch.

If they do not land another impact safety through free agency or trade, a potential young starter may already be waiting in the wings for Mathieu's spot on the Saints roster.

Tyrann Mathieu's potential replacement may be a 2025 draft pick

The hole left by Mathieu is a rather big one for the New Orleans defense. He was their most experienced safety, and the duo of Mathieu and Justin Reid seemed like a solid pairing for this season. Reid was signed during free agency this offseason.

Now, the Saints have to redirect course at that position group, and rookie Jonas Sanker may be the beneficiary of Mathieu's decision to hang up his cleats. Sanker is a rookie, taken with the 93rd pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, that is in line for increased playing time following this news.

When the Saints took Sanker, I was a notable fan of the pick. I thought Sanker was a bit undervalued by draft media throughout the cycle and had the ceiling to be a legitimate starter at the NFL level. Depending on other roster moves, he could be in line to get those starting reps in year one.

Jonas Sanker is going to make Saints fans VERY happy.

Over the past two seasons:
- Over 200 tackles
- 12.5 TFL
- 16 passes defended

All great numbers, plus good instincts and athleticism. At his best playing downhill.

Loving that pick! pic.twitter.com/4UUhTny810
— Brady Balhorn - BNB Football (@BnbFootball) April 26, 2025

It’s a very strong 2025 safety class, but Sanker is a very important part of that equation. At 206 pounds, Sanker ran a 4.48-second forty-yard dash and jumped well. He is an explosive downhill player that is experienced, and extremely productive. That should earn Sanker a slot on Day Two. -- Ryan Roberts

Let's also be clear here. Sanker, if pushed into a starting job, shouldn't be held to any sort of Honey Badger-like standard. It won't be a seamless replacement - because he will still be a rookie. Nobody should expect Pro Bowl level play from him, but his skillset is one that could prove to be really valuable for the Saints during his pro career.

Tyrann Mathieu in his 12-year career:

91.3 PFF grade
36 interceptions
53 forced incompletions
55 TFLs

What a career pic.twitter.com/3tfgjQU2Zt
— PFF (@PFF) July 22, 2025

Mickey Loomis discusses Mathieu's retirement

Shortly after news broke, the Saints held a press conference for general manager Mickey Loomis and head coach Kellen Moore. Loomis discussed the preparation the organization had ahead of the news

“A little surprised - but we had some advanced notice and just have so much respect for Tyrann and what he’s accomplished. He’s a legendary Louisiana player, a legendary NFL player. … I just wish him all the best." -- Loomis on Mathieu and his retirement

Mickey Loomis on Tyrann Mathieu's retirement ⚜️ pic.twitter.com/AAAmQ96VPx
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) July 22, 2025

There's no doubt that there had been recent discussions about this being a possibility for Mathieu. He didn't want to completely shell shock the front office, players, and staff for New Orleans.

No matter what - Mathieu will go down as a legend in New Orleans and will always be appreciated for his leadership, talent, and demeanor on and off the football field.