Recently-retired Saints star Tyrann Mathieu says he'd play again

Tyrann Mathieu was one of a couple of surprise retirements we saw from the New Orleans Saints this offseason, but has he really played his last down? Mathieu sat down with Kay Adams for her Up & Adams Show to discuss a variety of topics, including the LSU Tigers poaching Lane Kiffin from the SEC-rival Ole Miss Rebels. At one point, though, she keyed in on just how retired Mathieu is. Would he come back to play another season in the NFL?

"I mean, for the right situation, who wouldn't?" Mathieu replied. "I love this game."

It isn't like Mathieu wanted out. He took a couple of pay cuts to stay in New Orleans, and he took a lot of pride in wearing the black and gold. But at this stage in his career, at his age (he'll be 34 in May)? It would take the right combination of a defensive scheme which fits his strengths and a team positioned to compete for a Super Bowl run to bring him back.

One team he highlighted as a fit? The Houston Texans: "I do know this, the Texans, the way the Texans play defense? Man, listen, I'd come back to play for a defense like that."

Adams also mentioned a reunion with the Kansas City Chiefs as a possibility, and once upon a time Mathieu did hope to finish his career with the Chiefs before coming to New Orleans. But it's tough to see the Saints as a good fit for him now. They're actively rebuilding. Some guys have a willingness to close out their careers as part of that. Others don't. We'll see if the right situation presents itself for Mathieu to end his career as a winner.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints star Tyrann Mathieu says what he'd need to end his retirement