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Tyrann Mathieu watch has swept the NFL free agency landscape for past few weeks. After visiting with the New Orleans Saints last week at their practice facility in Metairie, Mathieu also took a virtual visit with the Philadelphia Eagles. For now, the Saints and Eagles (who pulled off a blockbuster trade just a week ago) look to be the favorites to land the Super Bowl champion safety. Several active players have taken to social media to help recruit Mathieu including C.J. Gardner-Johnson, but former Saints defensive back Keenan Lewis has given quite the pitch via Mathieu’s Instagram.
In the post, which was shared on Twitter by Nola.com’s Rod Walker, Lewis references the passionate fanbase, the team’s winning culture, and the general excitement that comes from representing one’s hometown on Sundays. Lewis is himself a New Orleans native who finished his NFL career with the Saints from 2013 to 2015. Lewis was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2009 NFL draft, but did exactly what he advises Mathieu to do with his playing career: “Make your last playing stop in your backyard.”
Lewis also mentioned that he “passed on millions” when he ultimately decided to return to play for his hometown team. Mathieu mentioned in a recent interview with Sam McDowell of the Kansas City Star that he would have probably taken the deal the Chiefs gave safety Justin Reid; that three-year deal is worth $31.5 million, an average of $10.5 million per year. Well below what many believe Mathieu’s asking price has been, though an exact number has not been reported.
If the three-time All-Pro safety and New Orleans can find the right price, the choice Lewis made in 2013 could pave way for a momentous reunion for Mathieu. In his note, Lewis calls his choice to return to New Orleans “the best decision I made in my life.” A sentiment the Saints and the Honey Badger would certainly love to repeat.
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