There’s reportedly an All-Pro guard hitting the open market soon.
The Philadelphia Eagles will release Mathis, who’s due $5.5 million this season, ProFootballTalk reported Thursday. The move wasn’t on Thursday’s NFL transaction wire.
The Patriots showed interest in trading for Mathis, the Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe reported in March. Mathis was unwilling to take a pay cut with the Eagles, so it’s unlikely the 33-year-old will come cheap.
The Patriots reportedly showed interest before they added guards Tre’ Jackson and Shaq Mason in the 2015 NFL Draft. The Patriots still could use Mathis, however, as they still have uncertainty at the position. Jackson could grab one starting role, but Mason has little experience as a pass blocker coming from Georgia Tech and might need some seasoning before he snags another spot. Veteran Ryan Wendell and second-year pro Cameron Fleming also are fighting for starting jobs on the offensive line.
Mathis was a Pro Bowl selection in 2013 and 2014. He was a first-team All-Pro in 2013 and was named to Pro Football Focus’ All-Pro team in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
He was drafted in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft out of Alabama by the Carolina Panthers. He also has played for the Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals.
Thumbnail photo via Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports Images
