Evan Mathis remains on the free agent market with training camp starting around the league, the guard could be a target for teams like the Miami Dolphins, NY Jets, Oakland Raiders, Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers could be potential landing spots for the guard after he was released by the Philadelphia Eagles in the offseason.
Mathis has had interest from the Dolphins from when the Eagles were shopping him in trades and the team is keeping tabs on him. The Miami Herald reports that while the team is not currently "pursuing" Mathis for a deal, the Dolphins will be watching the situation and if he signs with anyone else. The Herald reports that Miami wants to see how their young guards do in camp and it comes after some players were "concerned" that no one won the starting job this offseason.
Pro Football Talk reports that Dolphins vice president Mike Tannenbaum said on the radio that adding Mathis remains a "possibility" and that the team will see "where out guard situation does." Tannenbaum added that Dallas Thomas has looked good and the team also has Billy Turner and Jamil Douglas in the mix for the spots. The Dolphins have been trying to improve the offensive line for a couple seasons and adding Mathis could help if the team feels other players are not performing.
The Jets reportedly have had interest in Mathis, as the New York Daily News reports that general manager Mike Maccagnan said the team has spoken with his agent. The price for Mathis is reportedly "too high" for the Jets and that means he likely is looking for more than the $5.5 million that he was going to get paid by the Eagles. Mathis previously had interest from the Rams and 49ers, but that has not come up in recent weeks.
Mathis said earlier in the offseason that he would not rush to sign with a team and as of mid-July he was not in serious talks with anyone. Mathis has experience and is rated as one of the top guards in the league by Pro Football Focus and that is why he likely is not worried about missing a big chunk of training camp. The Broncos and the Giants have both dealt with injuries and both teams have looked at Jake Long on the market. The teams have needs at tackle, but adding Mathis could help shift things for another player to take over at tackle if he starts at guard.
The Dolphins have been mentioned the most out of teams interested in Mathis and if no players step up in camp, the team could make a move. Mathis is 34 years old and his age could be a factor in things, but he should eventually find a team to sign with.
