Tyrann Mathieu and Drew Brees probably wouldn’t agree on his favorite INT

Tyrann Mathieu and Drew Brees probably wouldn’t agree on his favorite INT. Mathieu’s takeaway in his 2013 homecoming stands the test of time:

It’s no secret that Tyrann Mathieu is a special talent. The New Orleans Saints safety returned home to close out his illustrious NFL career, and while Mathieu’s 2024 season hast had more low moments than he’s comfortable with, the highlights stand up with the best plays throughout his career.

He’s still making history. Mathieu is tied with his old college teammate Patrick Peterson for the most interceptions among all active NFL players (36). So which one was his favorite?

“I hate to say it but it’d have to be my rookie season, playing against Drew Brees in the Superdome,” Mathieu grinned. “And we got beat bad that day  but I had a good game. And I got to walk l away with one of the most prized possessions of anybody’s life, and that’s a Drew Brees football. So I always remember that one.”

Mathieu played the Saints just three games into his pro career back in 2013, and while his Arizona Cardinals fell 31-7, he did finish the day with 10 tackles (9 solo), on top of that interception. That was a season-high for his rookie year, and clearly a memorable game in his NFL story.

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Former Vikings starter would like to return to Minnesota to finish the season

The legendary cornerback opens up about wanting a return to the Minnesota Vikings in an interview during the team’s Bye Week.

Former Cardinal, Viking, and Steeler cornerback Patrick Peterson is leaving the door open to return to the NFL. Appearing on a podcast with Infinity Sports Network’s Zach Gelb, Peterson said he’s still training daily and keeping his mind shape in hopes of returning to the game at age 34.

Peterson told Gelb he would like to return to Minnesota with coach Kevin O’Connell. The Vikings are off to a 5-0 start, and while Peterson isn’t the player he once was, he would add another veteran presence in the locker room alongside Stephon Gilmore.

“I would like to be there too, man. I love the coaching staff there. Coach Kevin had an opportunity to build a solid relationship over the nine months that I was with him, and it’s just a great feel and a great organization to be around. Great guys to be around and show up to work with every day. ”

Peterson played for the Vikings in 2021 and 2022 before going to Pittsburgh for one season. In 2022, he tallied 66 tackles and five interceptions for Minnesota.

WATCH: Tyrann Mathieu gets career interception No. 35 in the end zone

Watch Tyrann Mathieu snag the 35th interception of his career — in the end zone. He’s now tied for second-most among active players:

The New Orleans Saints defense is off to a hot start so far, with Alontae Taylor getting his fourth sack of the season, and then Tyrann Mathieu getting the 35th interception of his career to save the Saints from at least a three-point play. He correctly read Jalen Hurts’ eyes and intercepted the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback in the end zone.

Mathieu is now tied for second among active players in career interceptions, tied with Harrison Smith at 35 and behind Patrick Peterson at 36 (pending an interception from either of the others or another one from Mathieu in Week 3). He has been exceptional for the Saints in his time here, and is a much playmaker addition to the safety group.

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Tyrann Mathieu calls Taysom Hill one of the best football players he’s shared the field with

Tyrann Mathieu calls Taysom Hill one of the best football players he’s shared the field with. It’s tough to find a stronger endorsement than this one:

It’s tough to find a stronger endorsement than this one. Tyrann Mathieu called Taysom Hill one of the best football players he’s shared the field with, and he would know — before he joined the New Orleans Saints, Mathieu was teammates with future Hall of Famers like Patrick Mahomes, J.J. Watt, and Patrick Peterson.

That’s not to say Hill is a lock to join them in Canton someday (he’s already been recognized with a display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which feels appropriate). To Mathieu’s point, he’s just an all-around great football player. There aren’t many guys in the history of the game who have found success as a passer, receiver, runner, blocker, and tackler on special teams. ‘

Hill has done it all and largely done it well. There’s a reason he has so many fans among those who know ball. Whether it’s current teammates like Mathieu and Derek Carr or respected coaches like Jim Mora and Sean Payton, he’s earned a lot of supporters over the years.

He’ll play in his 100th game for the Saints this season (Hill is currently at 97 regular season games), as will Demario Davis (98) and likely Marshon Lattimore (90). That’s a feat just 63 players have achieved in team history. As Mathieu observed, Saints fans are fortunate to be able to cheer for No. 7, and he’ll be right there with them.

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Harold Perkins Jr. to wear No. 7 jersey for LSU defense in 2024

Harold Perkins Jr. will carry on the No. 7 tradition in 2024.

There is a new No. 7 on the Bayou and his name is [autotag]Harold Perkins Jr.[/autotag] It is a widely known fact that some of the best to ever play for LSU has donned the No. 7, especially players on defense.

[autotag]Derek Stinkley Jr.[/autotag], [autotag]Grant Delpit[/autotag], [autotag]Tyrann Mathieu[/autotag] and [autotag]Patrick Peterson[/autotag] are just a few of the best to wear that number on defense. Now, Perkins will wear it. With the new defensive coordinator this season, I believe Perkins is in for the best season of his career so far. He is going to be a menace for any opposing offense.

On the offensive side of the ball, [autotag]Will Cambell[/autotag] will have the honor of wearing the No. 7 patch once again. Campbell can’t wear No. 7 as an offensive lineman so he has to wear a patch instead.

Both of these guys could hear their names called early in next year’s NFL draft.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

Nation’s No. 1 cornerback DJ Pickett commits to LSU over Oregon, Miami in stunner

All the predictions indicated DJ Pickett was heading to Oregon, but LSU instead added a gem to its already strong 2025 class.

LSU managed to close things out with the top remaining uncommitted player on its board.

On Wednesday, [autotag]DJ Pickett[/autotag] — a five-star cornerback from Zephyrhills (Fla.) and the No. 6 overall player in America — committed to LSU over Oregon and Miami. The Ducks were seen as the favorite, landing a hefty number of projections in recent days after making a strong NIL push.

But LSU was all-in for Pickett and even enlisted the help of former star [autotag]Patrick Peterson[/autotag] during Pickett’s official visit earlier this summer. It worked out, and now the Tigers added an elite piece to a class that is already in or nearing the top five, depending on the service.

While On3 and 247Sports rank him as the No. 2 cornerback in the country in their industry rankings, On3’s own rankings are the highest on him, ranking him No. 3 overall and as the No. 1 cornerback in the nation.

Pickett becomes the second highest-ranked member of LSU’s 2025 class behind quarterback [autotag]Bryce Underwood[/autotag], the No. 1 overall player in America, and is the third five-star LSU has landed in the cycle so far.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Tyler to continue the conversation on Twitter: @TylerNettuno

8-time Pro Bowl cornerback offers highly critical take on Giants QB Daniel Jones

Former Arizona Cardinals Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson says there’s “nothing impressive” about New York Giants QB Daniel Jones.

Six years into his career, the criticism of New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is not letting up.

Former Arizona Cardinals Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson recently said on his podcast, All Things Covered, that there’s “nothing impressive” about Jones.

“I had an opportunity to play against Daniel Jones a couple of times — ain’t nothing impressive about him to a defense,” Peterson said. “He’s big and strong, but he hasn’t shown us arm talent, like, crazy arm talent.”

Peterson, a 13-year veteran who was an eight-time Pro Bowler and a three-time All-Pro, believes that Jones has all the tools to be a top quarterback but several key elements are holding him back.

“He’s shown an inability to read defenses quickly, to get the ball out quickly, and I just think he has a problem dissecting the 11 guys on defense,” Peterson said. “His process is too slow to excel as a great NFL quarterback. He has talent. He has all the measurables. It just not coming together on the football field.”

Not many can argue with Peterson here. Jones has shown flashes of eliteness at times only to slide back into the bad habits that have plagued him his entire career.

A ridiculously high number of changes in the coaching ranks and a revolving door at offensive line haven’t helped, but Peterson isn’t wrong in saying Jones hasn’t done much to help himself.

Jones’ inability to stay on the field, combined with his losing record against winning teams, is also problematic. He has this season to turn the tables on his critics or he’ll likely be wearing another team’s uniform in 2025.

That almost happened this offseason as the Giants made an effort to move up in the draft to select a quarterback but were rebuffed. They will now lean back on Jones, who is rehabbing from a torn ACL that ended his season after seven games last year.

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Multiple former Steelers on the table after Cameron Sutton suspension

The Steelers could bring back another former Steeler to replace Cameron Sutton.

On Monday, the NFL informed the Pittsburgh Steelers that cornerback Cameron Sutton would be suspended without pay for the first eight games of the 2024 season. This leaves the Steelers once again without a starting slot cornerback or viable nickel corner.

What do the Steelers do now? They could simply turn their attention to the guys they already have on the roster. Darius Rush and Beanie Bishop Jr. are both interesting players who could develop into quality starters.

Or, Pittsburgh could do what they did with Sutton and look to free agency to bring back a former Steelers cornerback who can help.

Two names stand out as players still on the market. The obvious one is Patrick Peterson who appears to be sitting back, biding his time and enjoying his Summer until he’s ready to play again. With a full training camp and preseason, there’s no doubt Peterson could an exceptional slot cornerback.

But what about Chandon Sullivan? Sullivan played 422 snaps for the Steelers last season in the slot and did an admirable job. He’s familiar with the scheme, has quality experience and his return would be seamless.

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Where does LSU stand with 5-star cornerback DJ Pickett ahead of commitment?

LSU remains in the mix for Pickett but will have to fend off Oregon, which is making quite a strong push.

The highest-rated uncommitted player on LSU’s board will make his decision next week as [autotag]DJ Pickett[/autotag] is set to choose between the Tigers, Oregon and Miami on July 17. Georgia was also previously a finalist for Pickett, but he has removed it from consideration.

Pickett, who ranks No. 6 nationally per both On3 and 247Sports’ industry rankings, would give LSU its second top-10 commitment in the class. However, the competition to land him is fierce.

LSU Country’s Zack Nagy reports that it’s “all hands on deck” for LSU in trying to land the Zephyrhills, Florida, prospect. It has even enlisted the help of program legend and fellow Florida native [autotag]Patrick Peterson[/autotag], who is reportedly routinely in contact with Pickett.

Oregon has been pushing recently, with On3’s Steve Wiltfong reporting that the Ducks seem like the current favorite. Nearby Miami, which has been a constant in Pickett’s recruitment, also remains in the mix.

It may be a bit of an uphill battle, but LSU remains squarely in contention for the top remaining player on its board.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Tyler to continue the conversation on Twitter: @TylerNettuno

Giants urged to sign eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback

The New York Giants should sign this highly-decorated veteran cornerback to helps fix their weak secondary, says one NFL analyst.

The New York Giants worked diligently to reshape their roster this offseason, addressing specific needs along the offensive line, at linebacker and wide receiver.

However, after allowing veteran cornerback Adoree’ Jackson to walk, they did little to backfill the position. Andru Phillips was selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft, but that doesn’t solve their issues on the outside.

Headed into training camp, the Giants appear poised to go with Deonte Banks at CB1 and Cor’Dale Flott at CB2 — something that inspires little confidence across the NFL landscape.

With that in mind, Lorenzo Reyna of Pro Football Network suggests the Giants address the position by signing eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson, who at the age of 33, remains a free agent.

The New York Giants’ weakest area is the secondary. Especially cornerback.

The eight-time Pro Bowler Peterson, though, would give this defense veteran help at either CB or even safety if brought in.

Peterson had one of the worst seasons of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023 but is just a year removed from playing at a high level. The falloff could be age but it may have also been scheme.

Either way, given the Giants’ lack of depth and experience, Peterson would provide a helpful option if he came at the right price (see: a veteran minimum deal).

In 201 career games (200 starts), Peterson has recorded 652 tackles, four QB hits, 4.0 sacks, 122 passes defensed, 36 interceptions, and two defensive touchdowns. He was also a skilled return specialist early in his career.

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