A “deal could happen anytime now” for free agent guard Evan Mathis, a source close to the situation tells NFL.com’s Rand Getlin (on Twitter).
Mathis, released by the Eagles earlier this offseason, 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.
Mathis was scheduled to earn a base salary of $5.5MM under his Eagles deal, and it remains to be seen if he and agent Drew Rosenhaus can secure that type of commitment from another club. Given his age and that teams mostly have their rosters set, it’s probably unlikely that Mathis will be able to get that level of AAV.
The Bills, Vikings, Dolphins, Rams, and Patriots were among the teams said to have varying levels of trade interest in him before Philly cut him loose. The Colts, Giants, and Cardinals have all said they won’t make a play for Mathis, but Rosenhaus said earlier this offseason that he heard from at least six teams with interest in his client.