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The Philadelphia Eagles offseason workout program is scheduled to begin today on Monday, April 20. While most players are expected to attend, there won't be a 100% participation rate.
According to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Eagles Pro Bowl guard Evan Mathis will not be attending the start of the team's spring workouts. Some more details:
Evan Mathis won't be attending start of #Eagles voluntary spring workouts, per source. He did last year amid trade rumors. Staying away now.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) April 20, 2015
Mathis: "I'm in Antarctica looking for frozen dinosaurs to extract their DNA and splice them with my chihuahuasaur." pic.twitter.com/5viF9YOWl9
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) April 20, 2015
That was Evan Mathis' comment, obviously a joke. But just to be clear, he won't be attending start of #Eagles' voluntary spring workouts.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) April 20, 2015
As noted by McLane, Mathis trade rumors first emerged last offseason. At the time, it was reported that Mathis wanted a raise. Despite this, Mathis showed up to the team's voluntary workouts and never held out at all.
Trade rumors similar to the ones from last year emerged earlier this offseason. Chip Kelly addressed those rumors at the annual NFL owner's meetings by saying he hopes Mathis will be back on the team in 2015. At the same time, the Eagles coach said Mathis and his agent have been given permission to seek a trade. So it would seem the Eagles aren't necessarily desperate to get rid of Mathis, but they're definitely listening to offers.
One report from CSN Philly seems to conflict that sentiment, however. In late March, Geoff Mosher reported the Eagles might cut Mathis if they can't trade him.
Mathis, who turns 34 in November, is projected to be the oldest starting guard in the NFL this coming season. His 2015 cap number is worth $6.5 million. The team can save $4 million in cap space by cutting or trading him.
It remains to be seen how the Mathis situation will play out. For now, he's skipping voluntary workouts. It's not the biggest deal ever but it's probably not nothing, either.