Wake-Up Call: Mathis Will Be Part Of Workouts
Evan Mathis is at the NovaCare Complex and will participate in the team’s voluntary workouts, according to multiple sources.
A report said Mathis was expected to be a “no-show” at the start of the Eagles’ offseason training program, which opens today, but he’s there.
Word surfaced at the owners meetings back in March that the 32-year-old was in search of a new contract and that the Eagles, in turn, were open to dealing him. Mathis signed a five-year, $25.5 million contract in the 2012 offseason. He has three years remaining on that deal, and is scheduled to make a base salary of $5 million this season.
“I think that’s just the nature of what our league is like. In professional sports there is a short amount of time that guys have to play this game and they’re trying to get what they can, and I certainly understand where they’re coming from. And part of being the general manager, cap people, is fitting that all together,” said Chip Kelly at the coaches breakfast in Orlando.
“Do I worry about Evan [being distracted]? No. Evan, you talk about go-to-work lunch pail mentality, that’s Evan Mathis. I don’t worry about Evan from that standpoint.”
Mathis has started 47 of a possible 48 games since joining the Eagles in 2011. He was named to the Pro Bowl for the fist time in 2013 and was a first-team All-Pro.
The upcoming workouts are voluntary and the mandatory minicamp isn’t until mid-June.
The first two weeks of the program are considered Phase One. Only trainers can be on the field with the players during this period, which is designated for strength and conditioning and rehab. Quarterbacks are permitted to throw to (uncovered) receivers and classroom instruction is allowed.
Coaches are permitted on the field during Phase Two, which lasts three weeks. The final four weeks of the program are when the OTAs are held. (The schedule is here.)
Several players voiced their excitement about getting the ’14 squad together.
Tomorrow is the start of something great. #FlyEaglesFly — Brandon Boykin (@BrandonBoykin2) April 21, 2014
Back at the office tomorrow! The start of something great with the team this offseason #FlyEaglesFly — Bennie .C. Logan (@da_king_son18) April 21, 2014
Back in the place I’m meant to be at #TheFacility #Home pic.twitter.com/uXtiwRRXIG
— Zach Ertz (@ZERTZ_86) April 18, 2014
It may be a soft launch, but we’re underway.
WHAT YOU MISSED
“He’s been tremendous for me.” Nick Foles on the release of DeSean Jackson.
Add Odell Beckham to the growing list of high-profile receivers who have visited the NovaCare Complex.
In the latest installment of Draft Daily, Sheil examines Clemson wideout Martavis Bryant.
Kapadia looks at some second-round options for the Eagles.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
Ron Jaworski is high on the idea of Kelvin Benjamin landing with the Eagles. From CSN Philly.
“When DeSean left the Eagles I think it was the first thought in everyone’s mind — it’s going to be [Brandin] Cooks out of Oregon State — he’s going to be the guy,” Jaworski said. “But the guy who has impressed me the more I’ve studied is Benjamin out of Florida State. He reminds me a lot of a guy I threw to — Harold Carmichael.”…
“He has great body control, which is what you look for in a wide receiver,” Jaworski said. “He’s savvy and he can settle into the voids. The more I watch him the more he’s grown on me. He can high-point the football — he’s 6-foot-6 and he goes up and takes the football away.
Mike Florio looks back at the Donovan McNabb trade to Washington on Easter Sunday, 2010.
The [trade] resulted in the Eagles selecting safety Nate Allen in the second round of the 2010 draft. He has appeared in 59 of 64 regular-season games, with 54 starts.
The fourth-round pick in 2011 was shipped to the Buccaneers in exchange for a pair of fourth-round picks, one in 2011 and one in 2012. With the 2011 pick, the Eagles selected linebacker Casey Matthews. The 2012 fourth-rounder was traded to the Texans for linebacker DeMeco Ryans, who has started every game during his two years with the team. Matthews, who began his rookie season as a starter, was benched after three games but nevertheless has appeared in all 48 of his career regular-season games.
COMING UP
More draft coverage as the 2014 Eagles officially get to work.