Tyrann Mathieu Has to Be One of the Best Chiefs Free Agent Signings Ever

If you're finding it difficult to comprehend why the Kansas City Chiefs' defense isn't getting nearly the respect that it deserves, don't fret, because we are right with you.

The answer, unfortunately, is quite simple: it's 2019 and fans are obsessed with offense. Having the reigning MVP in Patrick Mahomes as your quarterback doesn't exactly help the cause.

At the center of KC's ascension from a laughable defensive bunch to an imposing unit has been safety Tyrann Mathieu, and his world-beating performance against Denver in Week 15 is a perfect testament to just how important he is to the Chiefs' D.

Mathieu might stand at 5-9, but he plays bigger than anybody else each time he steps foot on the gridiron. In the simplest of terms, the Chiefs inking him to a three-year, $42 million contract this past offseason might go down as their best free agent signing in franchise history.

What's been the narrative surrounding Kansas City in seasons prior to 2019? That their swiss cheese defense (particularly their secondary) would be their downfall in the postseason -- as great as Mahomes is, even he couldn't shoulder that significant of a burden.

Mathieu has turned that narrative on its head.

That right there is the kind of impact Mathieu has had on KC's secondary. Last year, that's a Courtland Sutton touchdown. Now, opposing offenses are forced to earn their scores against the Chiefs.

Put some respect on Mathieu's name.