In 2016 NFL free agency, is Jahri Evans over the hump, or will he put a contender over the hump?
The New Orleans Saints cut Jahri Evans in February, saving themselves $3 million in cap space. Evans is now 32 years old, and is coming off a season with only 11 starts, the lowest total of his 10-year career. It is fair to say that Evans best days are over, but he now has the chance to join a contender and give them a professional presence on the line.
Vitals
Age: 32
Starts:Â 153
Pro Bowls:Â 6
All-Pro Teams: 4
Contract comparison
A name that could be compared to Jahri Evans, is what happened to Evan Mathis last year. Mathis was 33 at the time, but was cut by the Eagles due to similar circumstances. In 2015 Mathis signed a one-year, $3.2 million deal.
Evans is a bit more decorated, but with the health questions around him it becomes a matter of where he wants to play. He could take a big pay check on a losing team, or could fit in the cap on a winner. Still, he should be making something a touch more than Mathis.
Estimate: 1 year/3.5 million/1.5 million guaranteed
Will he stay?
He obviously is not staying with the Saints. The Saints saved $3 million in cutting him, but are still eating $5 million that will be dead cap money. Evans should be able to make up that $3 million difference on the market, so it is mutual break up of sorts.
If he leaves
The Seattle Seahawks are a team that should absolutely be looking at Evans. They need offensive line help in the worst way, and can attract Evans to fit into their cap situation by presenting the case of them winning a Super Bowl. The Hawks right guard JR Sweezy is heading to free agency, meaning $1.5 million from last year can be moved to Evans, and if they think Evans is worth another million or so it is a perfect fit.
The Minnesota Vikings are another competitive team with a glaring hole at right guard. They also have a solid amount of cap space. Their biggest priority should be to sure up their line this offseason, and Evans could be a nice veteran presence for a young team.
The Los Angeles Rams qualify for the team most likely to over pay a veteran to take a vacation for a non contender. It isn’t to say that if Evans goes to LA it is a surefire disaster, but he only has a few years left, and they may not be contending next year so if he were to sign it would be for the money and the weather.
The Rams are probably desperate for a splash, and Evans and his awards and veteran status can make headlines and create a vibe in LA. The only question is will Evans live up to the money?