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NFL Free Agency: Possible Evan Mathis Landing Spots

By Erik Lambert

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January 22, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Team Carter guard Evan Mathis of the Philadelphia Eagles (69) during the 2015 Pro Bowl practice at Luke Air Force Base. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

People felt for weeks that something was going on between Pro Bowl guard Evan Mathis and the Philadelphia Eagles.  From the trade rumors to the camp holdout, something was bound to break soon enough.

Finally, it did.

At this point such a move is not a surprise from the Chip Kelly regime.  It puts another high-caliber veteran from Philadelphia in NFL free agency.  So with a chance to go somewhere of his choice, what are some possible landing spots for Mathis?

Indianapolis Colts

The scramble for finding quality blocking in front of Andrew Luck is ongoing for the Indianapolis Colts.  They already signed Mathis’ former teammate Todd Herremans.  So why wouldn’t they look to get him the Eagles guard who played so much better in 2014?  According to Pro Football Focus, the Colts allowed four sacks and 23 hits on Luck last season.  That isn’t going to fly.

Kansas City Chiefs

Keep this in mind.  Andy Reid was the head coach who gave Mathis his opportunity after leaving Cincinnati by signing a one-year deal in Philadelphia.  That turned into a five-year contract for $25.5 million and two Pro Bowls.  Mathis understandably could feel some loyalty to Reid for that chance, and would be most welcome on a Kansas City Chiefs offensive line depleted along the interior.

Miami Dolphins

Understand this.  Ryan Tannehill was sacked 46 times last season.  A quarter of them were courtesy of the poor blocking he got from the four different guards who logged time.  In fact none of them managed a PFF rating higher than a -10.1.  If he’s going to take proper advantage of his new weapons, the Miami Dolphins have to make sure he’s not running for his life.  Mathis would oblige while also being a huge help to their ground attack.

New England Patriots

He’s a football player above anything else and Evan Mathis knows at age 33 there is one thing he hasn’t done.  That’s win a championship.  The New England Patriots just did this past season and it just so happens they’re pretty weak at the guard position.  Bill Belichick has no qualms about signing able veterans for short-term deals.  Protecting Tom Brady typically means winning lots of football games.

New York Giants

The loss of Will Beatty at left tackle really hurt the New York Giants and put their already iffy offensive line under further stress.  Bringing in Mathis would lend them some sorely needed flexibility, especially since their guards were terrible last season in all facets.  Besides, the G-men would relish any chance to turn an Eagles loss into their gain.

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