But totally understand his position and where he was,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said. “When we approached him, our expectation was this was a longshot for us, but let’s see if we can get something done. It became clear he would not return when the Chiefs signed former Texans safety Justin Reid early in free agency. And the two sides had discussed an extension during last offseason, but they were never close to reaching an agreement, leaving Mathieu’s status uncertain last season. Mathieu spent the past three seasons in Kansas City, where he helped the Chiefs make three consecutive AFC title games, reach two Super Bowls and win their first championship in 50 years.
By signing Mathieu after Monday’s deadline, he will not count against the Saints in the formula for compensatory picks.
