Free agent Evan Mathis has finally signed a deal with the Denver Broncos for $2.5 million dollars. He can make up to $4 million dollars if he meets specific bonus's clarified in the contract.
Mathis was looking for a $6 million deal which would be along the lines of what the Eagles were slated to give him. Mathis is a pro bowl player but is going to be hitting his mid-30s soon.
Teams want to pay top dollar for young premier talent not an aging offensive lineman who may be unable to perform to his highest caliber in the last few seasons of his career.
The loss of Ryan Clady in the beginning of the offseason due to an ACL tear has sent this line into chaos and forced the Broncos hand in signing Mathis.
The starters in the beginning of the offseason left tackle/rookie Ty Sambrailo, converted defensive lineman Ben Garland, former Raven Gino Gradkowski, and Chris Clark have all been somewhat replaced with rookies who have more chemistry. The left guard Max Garcia had a great preseason showing against the Texans as did Ryan Harris at right tackle.
Matt Paradis is coming off of the Broncos practice squad and is playing better than anyone could have hoped for. The Broncos veteran quarterback only had positive things to say when talking about his offensive line.
Peyton Manning stated,
"They've improved just during this training camp with the guys they've been working against every day in practice. It's a hard-working bunch. That's all you can ask of the guy playing next to you. Is he working as hard as he possibly can to be the best player he can be? That's what I try be as a teammate and that's what you want your guys around you to do."
The Broncos addition of Mathis secures another part of their offensive line and keeps Peyton healthy to fight another day.
