Why Tyrann Mathieu Could Be Saints Most Valuable Player

Read why Saints S Tyrann Mathieu could be one of the team’s most important players in 2023.

Today's NFL is a quarterback-driven league. Goodell's league "rules," network promotions, and fantasy football are generally favorable towards the offense (along with specific teams or players, but that's another story). More specifically, forcing quarterbacks into stardom, whether deserving or not.

The New Orleans Saints made a major change at quarterback this offseason by bringing in veteran free agent Derek Carr. New Orleans also added several other players on both sides of the ball to join a list of established stars. The Saints may lack household names, but have one of the league's most talented rosters on both sides of the ball. 

In an article for NFL.com, lead writer Eric Edholm lists his top non-QB MVP for each team. In a bit of a surprise, Edholm named veteran defensive back Tyrann Mathieu as his MVP for the Saints. This was his reasoning. 

I considered two long-time Saints, Cameron Jordan and Demario Davis, before settling on <Tyrann> Mathieu.

Why?

Well, for one, I thought Jordan and Davis were less impactful last season than they had consistently been previously. Perhaps that changes in 2023. But both have logged a lot of mileage as they sit in their mid-30s.

Mathieu took a while to get settled in the Saints’ scheme a year ago, as did fellow safety Marcus Maye. But once they were comfortable, the results were far more appealing. The more time Mathieu spent on the field, the more he moved around -- playing deep, covering the slot, blitzing -- and the more of an impact he made. Mathieu is no spring chicken at age 31, but we still should see the best of him in New Orleans going forward.

Most ''VALUABLE''?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans (13) is hit by New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) after a reception. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Edholm went defense over the obvious offensive selections of RB Alvin Kamara or wideouts Michael Thomas and Chris Olave.  He not only picked Mathieu over more productive defensive teammates Jordan and Davis, but also over elite CB Marshon Lattimore. 

However, Edholm may have a point. 

Kamara is facing a probable lengthy suspension from the league. Thomas needs to prove he can stay healthy - though a prime candidate for Comeback Player of the Year if he does. I can't see a sharp decline from Davis or Jordan, but they're both 34. Opponents may be more apt to try Alontae Taylor (at their own risk) or Paulson Adebo rather than Lattimore in coverage.

The 31-year-old Mathieu was arguably the team’s biggest disappointment over the first half of 2022. As Edholm pointed out, the 10-year veteran played much better down the stretch. Mathieu led the Saints in interceptions, pulling in three of the team’s meager seven picks. He also finished second on the defense with 91 tackles, including a team-high 64 solo stops. Both those numbers were the best of his career. 

New Orleans has an immensely talented defense, but need more big plays from the unit. The Saints caused just 14 turnovers, including their seven interceptions. Both numbers were the second fewest in the NFL. 

Mathieu has been a big-play artist throughout his career. He has 29 interceptions, returning three for touchdowns, and has forced or recovered 12 fumbles. 

Keep in mind that fellow safety Marcus Maye, also signed last year, could also be suspended. Maye faces a DUI charge from a few years ago while with the New York Jets. His hearing is scheduled for July 25. The Saints brought in several safeties this offseason, but the onus will be on Mathieu to make plays at the position. 

New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) against the San Francisco 49ers. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY

Tyrann Mathieu is going to have plenty of opportunities to make plays in 2023. The talent that New Orleans has at cornerback should force opponents to look elsewhere for targets. Mathieu will be one of the team’s top slot corners against multi receiver sets, as well as providing deep support in several alignments. 

After a year in the Saints system, Mathieu will be heavily counted on for great improvements over last season. Enough to be in consideration for league MVP? Probably not. But his versatility and playmaking ability will be one of the keys to a potential Saints playoff push in 2023.