Overview

• Tyrann Mathieu stunned the Saints by announcing his retirement Tuesday on the eve of training camp after participating in the team’s veteran minicamp days earlier.
• Mathieu’s decision ends a decorated 12-year NFL career that featured three first-team All-Pro honors and a Super Bowl LIV title.
• Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said the organization received advance notice of Mathieu’s plans, permitting a coordinated exit.
• On Wednesday, New Orleans added free agent safety Julian Blackmon to fill the unexpected vacancy at free safety ahead of the camp opener.
• Blackmon brings experience from five seasons with the Colts, recording 300 tackles and 10 interceptions while offering versatile coverage suited to Staley’s system.