The 2025 season would have been Mathieu's fourth with the Saints after he appeared in all 17 contests in each of the last three. He finished last season with 62 tackles, seven passes defended, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery and figured to be a starter once again in 2025.

Tyrann Mathieu isn't completely closing the door on a return to the NFL, but for now, the former Super Bowl champion and three-time first-team All-Pro remains confident in his decision after announcing his retirement Tuesday.