ESPN’s Graziano adds more fuel to LA Rams rumors re: Tyrann Mathieu

The LA Rams rumors regarding mutual interest for veteran free agent safety Tyrann Mathieu continue to be propagated by social media and NFL Insiders and analysts. The latest to splash a bit more flammable liquid to the already ignited Rams rumors is ESPN’s NFL analyst and Insider, Dan Graziano.

Tyrann Mathieu, a.k.a. Honey Badger, has been a veteran free agent whose market has been a bit quiet of late. Some believe it’s because he has been making unreasonable salary demands this year. But he has been quoted as being disappointed that he was not offered a three-year $31.5 million deal similar to the one that Justin Reid signed. So that appears to be his price.

Just for comparison’s sake, the LA Rams signed WR Allen Robinson to a three-year $46.5 million contract with a salary cap impact in 2022 of just $4.3 million. So purely from a financial perspective, the Rams should be able to do everything that they want to do this off-season and offer Tyrann Mathieu a contract that he would sign.

And now, another voice is expressing that the LA Rams are indeed involved in the mix.

"“He’s had some contact with the Saints, some contact with the Eagles,” Graziano said. “I’m told to watch the Los Angeles Rams here. There’s some mutual interest there. Obviously Tyrann Mathieu is a player that would fit with (w)that the Rams like to do in terms of veterans in the locker room, in terms of a player who’s won a Super Bowl before.It could take a little bit to try and work this out financially, and maybe after the draft. But Tyrann Mathieu (is) still a player of interest for a number of contending teams, including the defending Super Bowl champions.” – as quoted by Riley Gates of 247Sports.com"

The fact is that the rumors of the Rams’ interest in Mathieu appear to be getting hotter and hotter. That often means that there is more there than meets the eye.

If the Rams do manage to sign Mathieu, it will certainly make for a very interesting defense and the 2022 NFL season overall.

The LA Rams have a new defensive coordinator, and so far, the Rams have been making few, but significant steps, to ensure that the defense is ready to go this year. The Rams currently have three All-Pro plays ready to suit up for game-day. Is there room for a fourth?

I think so, and by the looks of things, so do the LA Rams.

Mathieu is a solid defensive back, who can be used in a very effective CB/S hybrid role. He has amazing instincts at jumping routes, a quality that you know defensive coordinator Raheem Morris cherishes in his defenses. And the team’s 2021 season experience is such that the team is open, in fact perhaps even seeking, opportunities to add veteran leadership to the roster whenever and wherever possible.

This story is taking on a life of its own. Stay tuned…