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.

The Chiefs' 2022 squad had a much better record, but this team pulled off one of the hardest feats in professional spots: repeating as champion. The Chiefs became the first team in 20 seasons to successfully defend their title after defeating a talented 49ers team in only the second Super Bowl in history to be decided in overtime.