5 NFL stars failing to live up to massive contracts in 2022

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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 19: Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the New Orleans Saints participates in warmups prior to a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on August 19, 2022 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

NFL player no. 4: Tyrann Mathieu, S, New Orleans Saints

Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. S. Tyrann Mathieu. 15. Saints. 4. player

Contract: 3 years/$28.3 million

The “Honey Badger” safety Tyrann Mathieu was surprisingly jettisoned from the Kansas City Chiefs after the conclusion of the 2021 season. Mathieu, a 3x Pro Bowler and 3x All-Pro, helped the Chiefs win a Super Bowl in 2019 and was a leader on and off the field. The Chiefs found his replacement with Justin Reid from the Houston Texans and Mathieu landed in New Orleans for a decent paycheck of $28.3 million with $18 million in guaranteed money.

The popular theory currently is that Tyrann Mathieu is no longer the Honey Badger of old as he currently does not rank in the top positions as a defensive back as he has logged one interception and only 23 solo tackles. Mathieu fell under the spotlight against the Seattle Seahawks where he displayed an inability (or unwillingness) to tackle receiver DK Metcalf and save the team 6 points.

These are not the types of plays the Saints were expecting from Mathieu when they signed him in the offseason. If these are the performances Mathieu intends to put on tape he should have accepted a cheaper deal or simply retired.

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