Report: Eagles Release Pro-Bowler Evan Mathis
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Philadelphia Eagles have released Pro Bowl Guard Evan Mathis. Mathis had been holding out of voluntary OTAs hoping for a better contract. The 33-year old guard, who is considered one of the best in the NFL, was earning over five million dollars in 2015. He spent four seasons with the team, earning his only two career Pro Bowl appearances with the Eagles.
Thanks for the memories Philly.
— Evan Mathis (@EvanMathis69) June 11, 2015
Former #Eagles G Evan Mathis had stayed away from OTAs, wanting an increased salary. There was some predraft trade interest. Now, released.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 11, 2015
The release comes after the guard held out from voluntary OTAs. The Eagles had reportedly pulled a contract extension off the table. The deal was being orchestrated by General Manager Howie Roseman, who has since been promoted to the business side of the operations. Head Coach Chip Kelly soon took over the personnel decisions and most likely is the one who pulled the deal. Reports are the deal would increase Mathis’s contract by $1 million over the next couple seasons of his contract.
The former 2005 Panthers draft pick first signed with the Eagles in 2011 on a one year deal, but won the starting left guard job. He signed a five-year, $25.5 million contract with the Eagles on March 17, 2012. He also spent time with the Dolphins and Bengals prior to signing with Philadelphia. In 2013, Pro Football Focus chose Mathis for its inaugural Bruce Matthews Award recognizing the NFL’s best offensive lineman
Mathis, who spent much of his early career as a journey man, instantly became a fan favorite in Philadelphia. His bizarre and often hilarious off the field antics made him a corner-stone in the Eagles public relations department. He was often pictured with a goofy face or in a ridiculous pose that made every Eagles fan crack a smile.
Former Eagle LeSean McCoy credited Mathis and one of the key’s behind his success. McCoy was traded to the Bills early in the offseason as part of a personnel overhaul by Kelly, who is looking to find people who fit his mold. The team has moved on from several veteran players, such as Trent Cole, Cary Williams, and Todd Herremans.
The move leaves more questions for an offensive line that was once considered the best in football. The Eagles released the afore-mentioned Todd Herremans before free agency and did not draft any replacements. The team is leaning on players such as Allen Barbre and Matt Tobin, who filled in when the offensive line went through several injuries in 2014.