We’re still a few months away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. Today, we’re launching a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every day, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.
Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.
Today’s discussion will center on the NFL’s hottest free agent, guard Evan Mathis. Mathis, of course, was embroiled in an ugly battle with the Eagles over his contract situation. For much of the offseason, it seemed as though Mathis was simply looking to renegotiate the terms of his deal, which called for him to earn $13.5MM between 2015 and 2016. Last week, however, a new wrinkle in the saga emerged: Mathis claimed that former GM Howie Roseman offered to bump up his salary in 2014. When Mathis told the Eagles in 2015 that he was ready to take them up on that pitch, he was informed that the coupon had effectively expired since Roseman was no longer in the GM role. Ultimately, despite talk of trade interest for the last few months, the Eagles decided it was in their best interest to release Mathis outright.
The move was surprising since Mathis is considered one of the league’s best interior linemen. In 2014, despite playing just 608 offensive snaps, the former third-round pick ranked as the league’s best left guard, performing particularly well as a run blocker, according to Pro Football Focus’ data (subscription required). PFF had previously graded Mathis as the NFL’s No. 1 guard in 2011, 2012, and 2013. While his age and salary ostensibly scared teams off from giving up value for him, he can be expected to find a number of interested suitors now that he won’t require the forfeiture of a draft pick.
The Bills, Vikings, Dolphins, Rams, and Patriots were among the teams said to have varying levels of trade interest in him. The Colts, Giants, and Cardinals apparently won’t make a play for Mathis, but agent Drew Rosenhaus said over the weekend that he heard from at least six teams with interest in his client. The Jets could use some help on the interior of their offensive line and Mathis probably wouldn’t have to relocate if he signs with them.
We want to hear from you, the PFR reader: Where do you think Evan Mathis will sign? Head to the comments section below to place your bets and voice your thoughts and opinions. We look forward to what you have to say.
Chargers…played for mccoy in carolina, played with dunlap in philly, went to bama like fluker..an online of dunlap, franklin, watt, mathis, fluker would be top 5…
I agree, Mathis would certainly look good on the Chargers’ O-Line. His familiarity with Dunlap as well as Mike McCoy could make that a pretty solid fit. He’s also comfortable with a no-huddle offense, which could make that a smooth transition for him.
Need / fit / contender…. Miami Dolphins. His agent is also 10 minutes from the Dolphins facility. But rumors have connected Mathis to the Phins since pre draft
They would be a good fit but Miami wants to roll over some of its $10MM in cap space to 2016.
Mathis fills the biggest need on a team already built to compete for an AFC east title (and possibly a lot more). Stephen Ross is known for taking gambles.. I can see a short term 2 year / 10mill deal happening.
Chargers! They NEED an upgrade from J. Troutman at guard!! We’ve seen the MVP type no.’s Rivers can put up when he is upright!!!
I agree, they definitely could use an upgrade from Troutman. Last year, PFF had him as the 2nd worst (qualified) guard in the NFL. Sure would help a lot to put Mathis there instead.
dolphins zone blocking/spread offense under lazor is very similar to kellys scheme where mathis was a pro bowler. mathis has lived and enjoyed being in the south florida area before. according to his agent. miami is high on his list. the Dolphins have a glaring hole at guard where they either plan to start dallas thomas (Bum) or rookie jamil douglas only problem is cap space but tannenbaum and crew will come up w a creative lucrative contract both sides can agree on. miami is his best fit and both sides will mutually benefit
Totally agreed! As you said, cap space is the issue. Can they afford Mathis while also rolling over significant $ to 2016? I’m not too sure.
Then again, Jordan Raanan of the Star-Ledger recently talked to an agent, an executive, and a cap expert about what kind of deal Mathis might fetch. Two of them had him getting something like $3-4MM gtd on a one-year deal with incentives to take it up to $5MM+. That sounds pretty affordable and seems like a strong value.
Best bet says the JETS! Just think new general manager will pull the rabbit out of his hat and get Mathis to accept a cap friendly deal to bolster the interior offensive line sliding Mathis in @ RG.
Would be an awesome fit at RG but I think it’s weird that we haven’t heard much of anything about the Jets being interested. Either they don’t want to spend the money on Mathis or they’re the best team in the NFL at keeping their intentions out of the media.
(RG) for Da’ BUCS
(Projection)
• (LT)- Donovan Smith | Kevin Pamphile
• (LG)- Logan Mankins | Ali Marpet
• (C)- Evan Smith | Ali Marpet
• (RG)- Evan Mathis | Kadeem Edwards
• (RT)- Demar Dotson | Patrick Omameh
I’m not sure the Bucs have real interest in Mathis, but I agree that he could be a nice interim solution on the line until Marpet is ready to start. Remains to be seen how Donovan Smith will handle the left tackle spot, but the rest of that line – with Mathis in the mix – would be pretty solid.
The Saints would be the most logical landing spot if the cap room can be found. Armstead is an ascending player at left tackle. Slotting Mathis at left guard between Armstead and Max Unger, one of the best centers in the NFL, would solidify the left side for New Orleans. Combining those three with All-Pro guard Jahri Evans and veteran Zach Strief or first round choice Andrus Peat would make the Saints offensive line one of the best in the league. Signing Mathis should be a no-brainer for the Saints, given their need at left guard and their renewed emphasis on the running game.
Mathis wants to play for Miami!!!!!