Evan Mathis IS expected to show up at Eagles voluntary workouts

Today, Monday April 21, 2014, marks the official start of the Philadelphia Eagles' offseason schedule. Attendance is voluntary but a number of Eagles players have already returned to town to take part. It's currently unclear if Eagles Pro Bowl left guard Evan Mathis, who reportedly wants a new contract, is one of the players who will show up. According to Paul Domowitch, Mathis is not expected to participate.

(Update: Domo's been punked!)

However, a line from the Inquirer's Zach Berman in a Philly.com article states that Mathis will show up.

Eagles guard Evan Mathis, a Pro Bowl player who would like a new contract, is expected to report to the voluntary workouts.

Once again, there is no obligation for Mathis to show because the workouts are not mandatory. The Eagles are very limited in what they're allowed to do in "Phase One" of their offseason workouts anyway (read more here) so it's not like Mathis is missing crucial time if he doesn't come. Not to mention he's already a 32-year-old seasoned veteran.

The only concern here is in regard to the reports which emerged this offseason that Mathis wants a raise following a career year. It's possible Mathis is planning to stage a hold out, although Jeff McLane said that is not expected. With three years remaining on his current contract, it seems unlikely the Eagles will be willing to dole out a new deal. The Eagles reportedly have made Mathis available for trade, but the general indication seems to be Mathis isn't going anywhere.

For now I don't see major cause for concern. I also imagine we'll hear more about whether Mathis is or isn't attending workouts at some point this week, and possibly as soon as later today. At the very least it's something to keep an eye on moving forward.

[Update: 04/21/14 8:54 AM EDT] - Eliot Shorr-Parks is reporting that Mathis will show up. A number of other reporters have confirmed it. Mathis was never not going to show up; it was all a prank. Well played, #69.