Denver Broncos Bolster O-Line, Sign Evan Mathis
After being cut by the Eagles before the start of training camp, veteran guard Evan Mathis has finally found a home. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the 33-year old guard has signed a one year deal with the Denver Broncos. After loosing Ryan Clady, the Broncos offensive line has been very worrisome, especially with two rookies starting on the left side in Max Garcia and Ty Sambrailo. The two time Pro Bowler missed several games last season with an MCL sprain early on.
Miami and Seattle had reportedly had extensive talks with Mathis before this deal became official.
Broncos and former Eagles G Evan Mathis agreed to a one-year deal, per league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 25, 2015
Evan Mathis’ deal is worth $4mil with incentives. He turned a $5.5mil deal down from another team because he wanted to play for a contender
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 25, 2015
Despite Mathis turning 34 by the midpoint of the season, he is often regarded as one of the best guards in the NFL. Mathis’s locker room attitude and his demand for a bigger contract were reportedly the main reasons Chip Kelly decided to release Mathis. Like the DeSean Jackson situation, Mathis asked for more money, but ended up being cut and singing a simnifically smaller contract. Mathis played through the 2014 season with a cap hit of over six million, but it was apparently not enough.
"The No. 1 priority in finding a new place to play was playing for a contender"http://t.co/yjrjUR2Jmp pic.twitter.com/ZPF53nePtv
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) August 26, 2015
Mathis was a fan favorite in Philly for his quirky attitude and always amusing comments. His official team picture showed Mathis with “crazy eyes”, showing off his unique personality.
This move by the Broncos is being universally praised considering who was blocking for Peyton Manning. Max Garcia will most likely get a “red shirt” season to learn under a veteran like Mathis and eventually take over the job. This will also help running backs CJ Anderson and Ronnie Hillman, as Mathis was known for creating superb running lanes for LeSean McCoy back in Philadelphia.