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Evan Mathis: Five potential landing spots

By Matt Verderame

Aug 15, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles guard Evan Mathis (69) leaves the field after playing the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Panthers 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles guard Evan Mathis (69) leaves the field after playing the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Panthers 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 14, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks to the sideline during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks to the sideline during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

San Diego Chargers (Cap space: $11.927 million)

The Chargers are trying to improve over their 9-7 records from each of the last two seasons. San Diego has a great quarterback in Philip Rivers and a potent supporting cast with rookie-running back Melvin Gordon, tight end Antonio Gates and receivers Stevie Johnson, Malcom Floyd and Keenan Allen. Certainly, there is a chance for the Chargers to have one of the best offenses in the game.

However, the offense is still looking at a suspect offensive line. When free agency opened, general manager Tom Telesco moved quickly to sign guard Orlando Franklin to a five-year, $35 million deal. Franklin is slated to start on the left side, but has moved around his entire career. It’s not out of the question for Franklin to play on the right side while Mathis slides into the left guard spot.

For the Chargers, the best part of acquiring Mathis would be getting Johnnie Troutman off the field and onto the bench. Troutman is a hazard to Rivers’ health, ranking as the second-to-worst guard in the NFL last year, only ahead of Mike McGlynn of the New Orleans Saints. Mathis would not only protect Rivers but afford Gordon some large holes that likely won’t be available with Troutman starting.

San Diego isn’t a Super Bowl team, but its an exciting one that could make the playoffs. Additionally, the Chargers play in warm weather and could potentially be moving to Los Angeles after this year.

Next: Mathis ready for a championship chase?

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