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According to a report from NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, Eagles' Pro Bowl offensive guard Evan Mathis is available for trade.
#Eagles have made it known Pro Bowl guard Evan Mathis is available via trade, sources say. So WR DeSean Jackson is not alone on trade block
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 26, 2014
Why can Evan Mathis be had via trade? At 32, he’s due $5.15M in salary in 2014, but he wants a new deal after breakout season, source says.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 26, 2014
Ah. It can be argued that Mathis is underpaid. He originally signed a 5-year, $25 million deal after the 2011 season. As it stands, he is scheduled to be paid as the 7th highest guard this year. For what it's worth, Pro Football Focus ranks Mathis as the best offensive guard in the league and the best overall offensive lineman. His run blocking is especially valuable in Kelly's offense. It would be nice to see if the Eagles could come to an agreement with Mathis. He's more than a solid starter and losing him would create a big gap on the Eagles offensive line.
The issue is that Mathis will turn 33 this season. It could be argued that Mathis has less "tread on the tires" due to him bouncing around the league earlier in his career. It wasn't until Mathis came to the Eagles in 2011 that his game really took off. Mathis finally earned some well-deserved national attention last season with Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors for the first time in his career.
As we all know, Mathis isn't the only Eagles player to be on the trade block this offseason. DeSean Jackson's name has also come up in that regard. I'm just really not sure how great of a strategy it is for the Eagles to trade away their best players.
[Note by Brandon Lee Gowton, 03/26/14 9:22 AM EDT] - The Eagles don't want Mathis to take a pay cut. They're fine with him on his current deal.
Clarification: Source says Eagles haven't asked Mathis to take paycut, that agent approached Eagles about more $, they brought up trade.
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) March 26, 2014
[Note by Brandon Lee Gowton, 03/26/14 11:28 AM EDT] - For what it's worth, Jason LaCanfora is reporting that the Eagles are seeking a mid-round pick for Mathis.
Eagles are seeking a 3d round pick for Evan Mathis. Possibly would take a 4th. Otherwise teams figure Philly holds on to him
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 26, 2014