The NFL world learned about veteran superstar safety Tyrann Mathieu's retirement on Tuesday, but the Saints have known for a little bit longer, according to general manager Mickey Loomis. Blackmon and the Saints have been in contact since, and New Orleans was quickly able to find their next safety to play next to Justin Reid.

During Wednesday's press conference, Kansas City Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo commented on Tyrann Mathieu's retirement announcement | @EdEastonJr

Tyrann Mathieu, most recently with the New Orleans Saints, retired Tuesday after 12 seasons in the NFL. Mathieu first gained fame not far from where his career ended, starring for the LSU Tigers down in Baton Rouge,

Tyrann Mathieu's retirement drew a strong statement from his former Kansas City Chiefs teammate Patrick Mahomes.

There was no player ever at LSU like Tyrann Mathieu. Like his namesake wild animal, the Honey Badger, he took what he wanted during brief, brilliant career.