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Evan Mathis Available For Trade, According to Report

Huh?

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

According to a report from NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, Eagles' Pro Bowl offensive guard Evan Mathis is available for trade.

What the heck, Eagles? Mathis is a pretty good player and he's an awesome guy. So what's the deal here?

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.

[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.

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