Former Eagles player says Evan Mathis caused his own release
Former Eagles offensive lineman Todd Herremans said his former teammate, Evan Mathis, can blame only himself
for his release Thursday.
"I think it's very unfortunate how it all went down," Herremans told
97.5 FM The Fanatic on Friday. "It's tough to not add any offensive linemen and get rid of both of your starting guards in one offseason."
Former Eagles Todd Herremans and Evan Mathis (Getty Images)
Herremans spent 10 years with the Eagles, starting 124 games, but was released in February by coach Chip Kelly. He signed with the Colts two weeks later. He told the Philadelphia radio station that Kelly has a plan, but "nobody really knows what it is, but he has a plan and he's putting it into action."
Mathis was a two-time Pro Bowl performer but was unhappy with his current contract, which had two years remaining. The 10-year veteran had been with the Eagles since 2011 but did not attend any of the team's voluntary offseason programs.
The
Eagles had been trying to trade the 6-5, 300-pound Alabama native, but Kelly said they did not receive any offers. Mathis is now one of the league's most sought-after free agents with the Dolphins, Rams and Chiefs, who are coached by former Eagles coach Andy Reid, as possible landing spots.
"I know that Evan wasn't happy about his contract," Herremans told The Fanatic. "I know he also wanted to win. He's a monster in the gym. I know he was working out in the gym and keeping himself in shape. I know that wasn't an issue. It was more of the team bonding, camaraderie and needing him there ... What's going to make you think that if someone's not coming to all of the voluntary stuff? That doesn't give you a real good feeling that they're going to show up to the mandatory stuff."
http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/sto...imself-release-contract-dispute-otas-minicamp