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The Kansas City Chiefs have a big need at guard and to this point they have signed free agent Jeff Linkenbach for the hole. Perhaps they made few moves there because they thought a certain Pro Bowl guard might become available?
According to NFL Network, the Eagles have made it known that guard Evan Mathis is available in a 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 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
Mathis was a journeyman before Andy Reid brought him to the Eagles in 2011. Mathis was recognized last season as one of the top guards in the league, including Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. Now the Eagles want to trade him? What gives?
Bleeding Green Nation doesn't seem to have an answer for the trade rumors.
For what it's worth, Pro Football Focus ranks Mathis as the best offensive guard in the league and the best overall offensive lineman. His run blocking is especially valuable in Kelly's offense. It would be nice to see if the Eagles could come to an agreement with Mathis. He's more than a solid starter and losing him would create a big gap on the Eagles offensive line.
Several issues to work through here. First, are Andy Reid, John Dorsey and the Chiefs interested? I imagine they have to be on some level given their need at guard and Mathis's abilities.
Second, what would Mathis cost in a trade? The Chiefs are missing a second round pick and aren't in a position to be giving up much, especially for a player who has one year left on his contract.
Eagles are seeking a 3d round pick for Evan Mathis. Possibly would take a 4th. Otherwise teams figure Philly holds on to him
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 26, 2014
That leads to the third issue -- what kind of new contract does he want? That's key because it's the reason the Eagles are thinking about trading him at all. He wants a new deal. So can the Chiefs afford that? Do they want to pay that to a 32-year old player?
I'm not sure how much the Chiefs will pursue this one -- he's due similar money that the Chiefs passed on with Geoff Schwartz and Jon Asamoah -- but I do find it to be an intriguing option.