Philadelphia Eagles Release Pro Bowler Evan Mathis

Photo Credit: Sportige.com

The Philadelphia Eagles have been making news yet again in regards of players exiting. This time, guard Evan Mathis has been released following the recent controversy between the organization and individual. The news was initially reported by NFL.com’s Ian Rapaport via Twitter.

The Eagles just released Evan Mathis

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 11, 2015

Mathis – originally a third-round selection by the Carolina Panthers in 2005 – has avoided the Eagles’ off-season workouts, as a contract dispute was unsettled. The constant bitter taste in the mouth of Mathis was formed following his five-year, $25.5 million contract he signed in 2012. Although Mathis was absent from voluntary workouts and events, he was reported to say that he was going to attend the mandatory OTAs.

Financially speaking, Mathis was set to make $5.5 million for the 2015 season in base salary and $6 million in 2016. After cutting Mathis, the Eagles will be saving $9.5 million over the course of two seasons.

Mathis’ career took unexpected turns, but he found his niche in Philadelphia, ultimetly reviving his career. By 2013, Mathis had been named an official Pro Bowler. In addition from 2011 to 2013, Mathis started 47 of 48 games, giving the Eagles a consist and reliable cornerstone for their offensive line.

Even prior to the NFL draft, Mathis was generating trade buzz. Teams looking for an effective offensive guard were keeping their tabs on Mathis, but now it seems to have gotten even realer. Head coach Chip Kelly may have made the case a tad awkward with his comment in regards of Mathis following the draft.

“Evan has been available for trade for two years now and we have never had an offer for him.” -Chip Kelly

Kelly has been the center of attention throughout the off-season in regards of transactions. As he dealt star running back LeSean McCoy, the two, being McCoy and Kelly, left on uneven odds. Kelly proceeded to trade familiar quarterback in Nick Foles for former St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford; and for what it is worth, Kelly also signed iconic quarterback in Tim Tebow.

Mathis will more than likely find work elsewhere, which is not exactly what he wanted, but will earn a new contract. Teams should be ringing his phone any minute, if they haven’t already. Predicting any specific team is not ideal, but keep an eye out for the New England Patriots, as they were linked to expressing interest in the guard prior to the 2015 draft. In addition to the Patriots, keep tabs on the Miami Dolphins, as we’ve seen their offensive line unit struggle in recent history.

As Mathis’ four-year tenure ends in Philadelphia, he bids farewell and looks to establish an additional part to his career elsewhere.