| Here he comes, the guy you've all been waiting for, suiting up in New Orleans Saints black and gold. One of the most beloved figures in Louisiana athletics is returning to where it all started. Monday, the Saints and New Orleans native Tyrann Mathieu agreed to a contract that would finally bring Mathieu home. Not only is Mathieu a local legend, but he also happens to fill a position of need for the Saints defense, making what looked to be an already stout unit even better. Our beat writer, Amie Just, has the full details of what Mathieu's signing means for the Saints here. Even the most casual Saints fan should be excited about this move, because not only does Mathieu have local ties, he's also really doggone good. How does three All-Pros and a Super Bowl championship sound? How about his 26 career interceptions and 76 career passes defended? You know what, how about his veteran leadership? Mathieu has been candid about his struggles as a youngster and how they shaped him into what he is now, which is a respected voice in the locker room. Bruce Arians, who served as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals when that organization selected Mathieu in the third round of the 2013 draft, called Mathieu his "favorite draft pick of all time." All this is to say that this isn't just some regular welcome home party. Dennis Allen is getting an excellent player, who also happens to be an excellent leader, who also happens to be from the 7th Ward. All those things coming together at once is just extra sweet. Great players don't come cheap, though. Even Mathieu isn't just going to take some sort of hometown discount. The Saints compensated him fairly for the role he is expected to play on the defense, giving him a three-year deal that will pay him $11 million per season. Rod Walker summed it up best: His return is a perfect fit. Cheers, Luke Johnson | 
