Evan Mathis remains on the NFL free agent market after his release and teams like the Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, New England Patriots and Sam Francisco 49ers could be potential landing spots for the guard in free agency ahead of training camp, as his agent reports there are "10 teams" interested in signing Mathis.
Mathis was released by the Eagles this offseason after staying away from team activities while looking to get a new contract. Mathis had been looking for a raise in each of the past two seasons and the two sides could not agree on how to move forward. Mathis reportedly asked for his release according to head coach Chip Kelly and now he has the chance to sign with any team. According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Miami Dolphins are "among the teams interested" in Mathis, but the team "can't afford to get in a bidding war" to sign the guard.
Mathis was set to make $5.5 million this season with the Eagles and the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the team was willing to go with a $1 million raise in 2015. Mathis is 33 years old and the Miami Herald reports that his agent Drew Rosenhaus said that Mathis has "bona fide interest" from at least 10 teams on the market. Reports said that Mathis could wait a few weeks to sign a deal to see the best situation heading into training camp, but there is a good chance he signs before the opening of workouts.
Most teams have their depth charts already set, but many teams have been dealing with injuries and those usually continue in camp. The NY Giants, San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos have all dealt with injuries or player retirements (Niners) and they could look at Mathis for extra support. The Giants may have to start rookie Ereck Flowers after losing Will Beatty, while the Broncos lost Ryan Clady to an injury and could look at Mathis to beef up the offensive line.
According to the Miami Herald, the Dolphins were previously interested in a trade for Mathis with the Eagles, but the two sides never came close to a deal around the NFL draft. The Sun Sentinel reported last week that while Miami is interested in Mathis, the team is "comfortable" with the guards on the roster. The team has cap space to sign Mathis, but they can't go too high after signing Ndamukong Suh and other players in free agency this offseason.
Mathis has been rated as one of the top guards in the league over the last two seasons by Pro Football Focus and he should be able to find a home at the contract level he is looking for. Bill Williamson at ESPN.com writes that the Raiders have the money to sign Mathis and they could use an upgrade for depth at guard, while the Bears also could be a fit, according to ESPN Chicago. The Patriots were an early team mentioned after Mathis was released, but right now there have been no new updates about a potential move to New England.
