Philadelphia Eagles’ guard Evan Mathis has been arguably the best guard in football over the last few seasons.
In fact, Pro Football Focus rated him as the best guard in the league in both the 2011 and 2012 seasons.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com and the NFL Network (and confirmed by Jeff McClane of The Philadelphia Inquirer), the Eagles have made Mathis 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 is Mathis available? Money and age, of course.
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
#Eagles guard Evan Mathis does want a new contract, a source confirms @RapSheet report. Signed for 5-yrs, $25 mil. Will make $5.15 in '14.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) March 26, 2014
Mathis was drafted by the Carolina Panthers with the 79th overall pick in the third round of the 2005 Draft. The former Alabama Crimson Tide standout has also played for the Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins.