Overview

• Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement on July 22, stepping away at age 33 after 12 NFL seasons and three years with his hometown New Orleans Saints.
• A three-time first-team All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler, Mathieu closed his career with 36 interceptions, 838 combined tackles, 11 sacks and seven forced fumbles, capped by a Super Bowl LIV title with the Chiefs.
• Mathieu’s decision came as a surprise on the eve of the Saints’ first training camp practice, though GM Mickey Loomis said he received advance notice and lauded the safety’s leadership and community contributions.
• Within 24 hours of the announcement, New Orleans agreed to a one-year contract with former Colts safety Julian Blackmon to fill the free-safety vacancy.
• By moving promptly to sign Blackmon, the Saints are bolstering roster depth and optimizing salary-cap space as they finalize their 2025 preparations.