Evan Mathis To Skip Start Of Spring Workouts

Evan Mathis will not be in attendance for the start of the Eagles’ offseason training program, a league source confirms.

Jeff McLane was first with the report.

Mathis’ name has been mentioned in trade speculation each of the past two offseasons. Chip Kelly told reporters at the owners meetings that, like last year, agent Drew Rosenhaus has been given the green light to seek out potential trade partners for his client. He added that the team is not actively trying to deal the All-Pro guard.

Will he be on the team?

“I hope so,” Kelly responded.

Money is at the root of the unrest. The 33-year-old Mathis is entering the fourth year of a five-year, $25.5 million contract and is scheduled to make a base salary of $5.5 million. He is slated to make $6 million next season.

Mathis made the Pro Bowl each of the last two seasons and was a first-team All-Pro selection in 2013. You can argue that he has outperformed his contract and is underpaid compared to some of the other top guards in the league. On the other hand, he will turn 34 in November. His age increases the investment risk, which in turn hurts his leverage.

The Eagles could certainly use him this year. They already parted ways with fellow guard Todd Herremans and don’t have any sure-fire options on the roster to replace him.

The Eagles’ offseason training program opens today. Spring workouts are voluntary. The first time Mathis technically has to be in attendance is for the team’s mandatory minicamp from June 16-18.