Texans' Tyrann Mathieu: 'I really want to be here'

Gathering his belongings and taking inventory one day after a painful end to an AFC South division championship season, veteran safety Tyrann Mathieu expressed hope that this won't be his last time inside the Texans' locker room.

A former Arizona Cardinals All-Pro selection, Mathieu is a pending unrestricted free agent now that his one-year, $7 million contract has expired.

The Pro Bowl alternate is hoping to extend his relationship with the Texans.

"I really want to be here," Mathieu said. "I love this team, love the locker room, love the coaching staff. Hopefully, the business side will take care of itself. I definitely want to be here."

Mathieu started every game and recorded 89 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions.

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He injected the team with a bold confidence and swagger and he grew comfortable with his teammates.

"It really goes both ways with a lot of these guys giving me life coming from a situation where I was cut and humbled," said Mathieu, who was released by Arizona after declining a paycut. "A lot of these guys embraced me and gave me the confidence. Luckily, I was able to return the favor. These guys mean as much to me as I mean to them."

Mathieu played more of a pure safety role for the Texans after operating as an interchangeable cornerback and nickel linebacker in Arizona. His durability was much better this year, too.

"I think ultimately any time you can stay healthy in this league, it's a plus," he said. "I was fortunate. Obviously, I had some challenges within the system in my first year. The more comfortable I get, the better I'll be in this system.

"We overcame adversity and put together a really solid season. We fought hard every single game. I was humbled when I came to this team and these guys embraced me and encouraged me. That's what allowed me to be really focused on football and being a good teammate."