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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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Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws a pass during the NFL divisional playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws a pass during the NFL divisional playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Denver Broncos (Cap Space: $7.377 million)

The Broncos need to make their offensive line respectable or risk having to play Brock Osweiler. Let’s face it, nobody wants to see that, probably including Osweiler. Denver general manager John Elway was extremely passive this offseason, allowing guard Orlando Franklin and center Will Montgomery to walk while trading away center/guard Manny Ramirez to the Detroit Lions.

Then, left tackle Ryan Clady went down with a torn ACL in OTAs, putting an end to his season. Currently, the Broncos have Shelley Smith and Luis Vasquez starting at the guard spots. Vasquez is one of the better guards in football, having been named to the All-Pro team in 2013. However, Smith is a journeyman who has played for the Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins and St. Louis Rams through the first five seasons of his career.

Adding Mathis would be a huge deal for both Denver and Manning. The Broncos are making one more run, maybe two, at winning a championship before Manning decides to retire. Mathis doesn’t solve all of the problems facing this roster, but he becomes a pillar of strength for head coach Gary Kubiak.

Denver understands that Manning is one of the least mobile quarterbacks in the game. If he takes a couple of nasty hits at 39 years old, it could be the end of both the Broncos’ season and his career. It would be a wise investment and Denver’s first important signing of the offseason.

Next: Taking his talents to South Beach

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