SUNDAY, 9:45am: We learned yesterday that Mathis’ visit with the Seahawks went well, and that Seattle head coach Pete Carroll referred to the visit as a “physical,” which could have been an indication that a deal was imminent. However, there is no deal in place as of yet, and Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk points out that when Carroll used the term “physical,” he said that Mathis was “coming in for a physical. That’s all.” So while it’s clear that Seattle is interested in the free agent guard, Florio writes that it is equally clear the Seahawks will not issue a blank check to Mathis, despite their clear needs along the offensive line. Seattle, of course, already has several high-profile players who are unhappy with their current deals, and if the team were to hand out a lucrative contract to a newcomer, an already tense atmosphere may become even more strained. The Mathis situation, therefore, remains in a holding pattern.
FRIDAY, 1:36pm: Mathis is unlikely to reach an agreement with another team before tomorrow, and is planning to go through with his scheduled visit to Seattle, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
THURSDAY, 7:44pm: Free agent guard Evan Mathis is scheduled to visit the Seahawks on Saturday, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter). However, at this time, it’s uncertain as to whether he’ll go. The standout interior lineman apparently has interest from other teams and if another one swoops in and signs him first, he’ll call off his flight to Seattle.
At this time, it’s not known who the other interested clubs are, but it’s not a surprise to hear that Mathis is drawing widespread interest given his body of work. We heard earlier this week that the Giants have not closed the door on Mathis, though they have concerns about his price tag. One GM with interest in Mathis recently told Peter King of The MMQB (on Twitter) that he refuses to pay an “old guard” like Mathis $5MM per year.
Mathis, released by the Eagles earlier this offseason, is considered one of the league’s best interior linemen. In 2014, despite playing just 608 offensive snaps, the former third-round pick ranked as the league’s best left guard, performing particularly well as a run blocker, according to Pro Football Focus’ data (subscription required). PFF had previously graded Mathis as the NFL’s No. 1 guard in 2011, 2012, and 2013.
Mathis was scheduled to earn a base salary of $5.5MM under his Eagles deal, and it remains to be seen if he and agent Drew Rosenhaus can secure that type of commitment from another club. Given his age and that teams mostly have their rosters set, it’s probably unlikely that Mathis will be able to get that level of AAV.
The Bills, Vikings, Dolphins, Rams, and Patriots were among the teams said to have varying levels of trade interest in him before Philly cut him loose. The Colts, Giants, and Cardinals have all said they won’t make a play for Mathis, but Rosenhaus said earlier this offseason that he heard from at least six teams with interest in his client.
Whatever team lands him will be getting the type of free agent prize that just doesn’t come along this late in the summer. All of the teams that are rumored to have interest in him have at least some degree of legitimate playoff hopes, but not all of them stand out as legitimate championship contenders. Even though it has sounded at times as if Mathis is simply seeking the biggest contract, he’s at the age where a chance at a ring may carry the day. Last year’s Super Bowl participants would therefore seem to have the best shot.
Seahawks really need him and would be stupid not to sign him as the offensive line is there biggest problem.
The most interesting suitor yet. Seems like Mathis’ tour will end somewhere soon. Seattle being able to even contemplate this move warrants some praise for how it’s managed to structure its cap.
I’m a longtime Hawks fan. I almost cried as a young boy watching Bo Jackson truck Brian Bosworth. I am very amazed at the team Pete and John have assembled within the cap. If they land Mathis, they have to pay Kam.
Or land Mathis and cut kam