Rams Not Interested In Evan Mathis

[RamBill]

Rams Not Interested In Evan Mathis
July 1st, 2015 at 4:03pm CST by Zach Links

http://www.profootballrumors.com/interested-evan-mathis/

Despite buzz around the league to the contrary, a Rams source tells Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (on Twitter) that St. Louis has no interest in offensive lineman Evan Mathis. Instead, the Rams would prefer to allow their young players – including their young offensive line – to grow together.

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.

The Rams on the other hand have struggle blocking between the tackles, and haven’t been so great on the outside either. Last year’s No. 2 overall pick Greg Robinson was settling in at guard before the injury to Jake Long forced him to accelerate his transition to left tackle. Rodger Saffold will likely start next to him on the left side, and is the best guard on the roster. Right guard is up for grabs, and the team moved on from center Scott Wells so will be looking at a first-time starter there as well.

It would be tough to argue that Mathis wouldn’t be able to improve the Rams’ roster short-term, and he could be especially useful as St. Louis believes it could have an opportunity to make a move in the NFC West with both the Cardinals and 49ers struggling to keep pace with the Seahawks for division supremacy.

However, Mathis will turn 34 years old during the season, and most teams are probably hesitant to give him a long-term contract. Even if he gets the Rams closer to a playoff berth this year, for a team with a young core Mathis doesn’t necessarily fit the mold. Of course, the Rams’ competitiveness in 2015 all depends on the performance of his former teammate Nick Foles.

St. Louis has a number of young bodies they can throw out there to try to solidify the offensive line. Although they may not have interest right now, injuries and poor performance from their rookies in training camp could change minds in that front office. With the right circumstances and price, Mathis could find himself fitting in with the team later this summer if he doesn’t find a landing spot before then.

 

[Legatron4]

Good.

 

[BriansRams]

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. PFF had previously graded Mathis as the NFL’s No. 1 guard in 2011, 2012, and 2013.

Um. I don't know. At the right price and length of contract, I wouldn't be so quick to pass on Mathis. I mean, he DOES what Fisher says he wants to DO. He run blocks very well. One injury to our current projected starting guards and we might find ourselves wanting.

 

[Corbin]

Damn decent article, I was about to go buy a lottery ticket because I thought it was from Bleacher Report at first.... you sly dogs you!

 

[CGI_Ram]

I prefer saving the $ and applying it to next year's Ram free agents. We have some tough choices on expiring contracts.

 

[LACHAMP46]

we can afford Mathis?

 

[A55VA6]

It's the best decision. Rams seem set on what they have. I still think the Broncos grab Mathis.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

I'd consider him if Brown and crew doesn't seem to be getting things down. But not more than a one year deal.

 

[Mojo Ram]

Let's see how the younglings are shaping up when training camp gets going before looking to add a veteran.

 

[Warner4Prez]

I dunno. Don't think I like it. With GRob still getting settled on the left and a rookie on the right, plus uncertainty no matter who starts at center; how could you possibly just dismiss at shot at the best left guard in the game?

I have high hopes for JB and I really like the Wichman kid, but man, it's an opportunity to bring an elite talent on board.

 

[ZigZagRam]

Not surprised. Not really a fit.

Doesn't mean the line doesn't scare me though. Let's hope they jell fast.

 

[fearsomefour]

I wouldn't mind as a security measure. Of course, it would come down to money. A one or two year deal that is small enough to impact bringing back other key FA next year would be key. The Rams have gotten burned before with older FA O lineman. Im all for the youth movement. However, the Rams have no idea if these guys can play, play in and play out, at the NFL level or not. This is why I have stated that I think Reynolds will start at RG to begin the year. I few key breakdowns by a very young line....C, RG, RT potentially with zero starts under their belts....could doom the Rams to a slow start yet again and yet another sub .500 year. It really comes down to what the team things the more important aspect is of the game, the physical or the mental. I have no doubt that most and maybe all of the rookie Olineman could perform physically better than Whats-his-nuts at RG last year, that doesn't mean they won't struggle with other aspects of the game. If the team has rookies starting at RG and RT they will get hammered with blitzes. I would be surprised if Reynolds doesn't start the year at RG.

 

[BonifayRam]

I am very happy with the way Snead & Fisher have finally accumulated some good young interior OL talent. Adding a 34 yr old high cost interior OL'er just feels wrong.

Forever this team has purchased high cost UFA OL'ers & paid large chunks of the Rams team salary cap. I think it would be very hard for any of this forums members to argue that this past way of doing business has paid off & been successful. The opposite would be the truth.

As this article pointed out the interior OL prospects is rather large with some good amount of Ram assets invested.

Interior OL'ers who have at least one or more training camps & pre seasons tutelage by Paul Boudreau is SIX:
Garrett Reynolds 7 yr vet
Rodger Saffold 5 yr vet
Tim Barnes since 2011
Brandon Washington since 2012
Barrett Jones since 2013
Demetrius Rhaney since 2014

Then when you add the other possible interior rookie prospects it looks impressive & then you have TEN in number:
Jamon Brown
Cody Wichmann
Andrew Donnal
Davis Wang

One might make a decent argument that the interior Ram OL'ers are not that GREEN as many think. Its the exterior OT's where you will find all that UNripen GREEN color & Mathis is sure no Tackle. Like CGI posted I think it would be wise to use as much Ram salary cap to go for & snag as many as possible our own 2016 UFA's. Lets let our unripen interior OL'ers get some time to get ripe & not throw out our investments for an over ripe past its prime OL'er

 

[BonifayRam]

....... The Rams have gotten burned before with older FA O lineman. I'm all for the youth movement.

.......This is why I have stated that I think Reynolds will start at RG to begin the year. II would be surprised if Reynolds doesn't start the year at RG.

I see this too fearsomefour. I has posted in the past that I see one rookie starting early on this OL. As the season wears on I do expect some changes where the rookies will begin to make headway's on their learned assignments.

 

[fearsomefour]

I see this too fearsomefour. I has posted in the past that I see one rookie starting early on this OL. As the season wears on I do expect some changes where the rookies will begin to make headway's on their learned assignments.

It is easy to forget that the team has some options with some vets that have had time with the team and just not much playing time. Washington accounted himself pretty well at T last preseason, there is Jones of course and I don't know if Bond is still with the team.
Lets says Barnes wins the starting C job the team could play Jones at G, or Reynolds or Washington at G. All three could also play RT. Robinson/Saffold/Barnes/Jones/Washington....not so far fetched.

 

[BonifayRam]

It is easy to forget that the team has some options with some vets that have had time with the team and just not much playing time. Washington accounted himself pretty well at T last preseason, there is Jones of course and I don't know if Bond is still with the team.
Lets says Barnes wins the starting C job the team could play Jones at G, or Reynolds or Washington at G. All three could also play RT. Robinson/Saffold/Barnes/Jones/Washington....not so far fetched.

Bond & Baker are still on the majority of the Rams posted rosters. Bond would have to really have to nail down the starting Right OG post for him to stick. He plays only one post. There just happens to be a open starting post @ ORG...so he is in a good position to make a serious run @ it. CoachO has posted several times that Bond has it physically but it was the mental part that took him out last season.

From what I have seen from Boudreau over the yrs is if you do not earn a starting post and you are listed as a reserve you MUST be be versatile enough to play many of the five OL posts. Bond as a reserve would not make the master roster.

In reference to your OT remark & the non rookie Ram OL'ers......Washington might be able to morph into the the 2014 Mike Person role if he has a chance to stick. The 6-7 305 Reynolds has played ORT in the NFL. If Barrett Jones does not land a starting job early in the interior we may see a ton of him @ OT before regular season begins. His long arms & extra large hands come in handy @ OT. I telling you guys Barrett can play OT.

 

[fearsomefour]

Bond & Baker are still on the majority of the Rams posted rosters. Bond would have to really have to nail down the starting Right OG post for him to stick. He plays only one post. There just happens to be a open starting post @ ORG...so he is in a good position to make a serious run @ it. CoachO has posted several times that Bond has it physically but it was the mental part that took him out last season.

From what I have seen from Boudreau over the yrs is if you do not earn a starting post and you are listed as a reserve you MUST be be versatile enough to play many of the five OL posts. Bond as a reserve would not make the master roster.

In reference to your OT remark & the non rookie Ram OL'ers......Washington might be able to morph into the the 2014 Mike Person role if he has a chance to stick. The 6-7 305 Reynolds has played ORT in the NFL. If Barrett Jones does not land a starting job early in the interior we may see a ton of him @ OT before regular season begins. His long arms & extra large hands come in handy @ OT. I telling you guys Barrett can play OT.

You may be right about Jones at T. We have seen Reynolds play T and I didn't like what I saw overall. He is fine in that reserve T role, but, if he is going to start I would think RG would be the spot.

 

[BonifayRam]

You may be right about Jones at T. We have seen Reynolds play T and I didn't like what I saw overall. He is fine in that reserve T role, but, if he is going to start I would think RG would be the spot.

IMO Garrett Reynolds was not signed to be a 2015 season starter in Boudreau's OL. If four drafted rookies & the above mentioned other Ol'ers .... fail to nail down the open contested OL posts early then Boudreau could temporarily utilized Reynolds until one of them is.

Reynolds main roles was to be a game day versatile dressed OL'er who can be plugged in as needed without too much worry & concern.

 

[RamBill]

What's Wrong with Evan Mathis?
By Ty Schalter

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2513895-whats-wrong-with-evan-mathis

When the Philadelphia Eagles released All-Pro guard Evan Mathis, everyone wanted to know what was wrong with Chip Kelly.

The Eagles' head coach might not have thought the two-time Pro Bowler was a perfect fit for the Eagles' scheme, or worth the kind of contract his credentials demand. But Mathis is the latest in a long line of outstanding Eagles Kelly thought he could do better without: DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy and Jeremy Maclin have all been sent packing.

When Mathis hit the open market, it seemed he might be out of work for the proverbial five minutes, but that hasn't been the case. Despite nearly every fanbase dreaming about adding a game-changing player this late in the offseason, NFL teams aren't rushing to do the same.

If any team could use Mathis, the St. Louis Rams could: Pro Football Focus graded their two primary guards, Rodger Saffold and Davin Joseph, 41st and 75th out of 78 qualifiers in 2014. PFF also ranked their line sixth-worst in pass blocking and 10th-worst in run blocking. The Rams drafted four linemen this spring, but it's hard to imagine any of them stepping in and playing at Mathis' level.

Yet Bleacher Report's Jason Cole reported the Rams have "no interest" in Mathis. Per Cole's source, they "prefer to let [their] young players grow together," which sounds like an awfully fishy reason not to sign one of the game's best players at a position of need.

So, the switch flips: What if, instead of there being something wrong with Kelly, there's something wrong with Mathis? Is he hurt? Is he just not as good as everybody thinks? Are his contact demands too high?

The answers to the first two questions are easy. First, he's almost certainly not hurt.

Sure, sometimes veterans hit free agency with an injury that isn't widely known. Defensive end Michael Bennett joined the Seattle Seahawks on a surprisingly cheap, short deal in 2013; it turned out he'd played the 2012 season with a torn rotator cuff.

Instead, there's no hiding it: Mathis missed seven games with an MCL sprain in 2014, but he came back to play the last eight games of the season. In three prior seasons, Mathis made 47 of 48 starts, so there aren't any chronic issues. He also missed any real offseason contact when he held out during OTAs, so any new injury is very unlikely.

Sometimes surprise physicals can scuttle a deal (see Saffold's voided deal with the Oakland Raiders last spring), but the Rams hadn't even had Mathis in for a visit.

Is he somehow worse than everyone thinks? No, that's not it either.

Offensive line play is tricky to evaluate and highly subjective, but Mathis was PFF's No. 2-ranked guard in 2014 (despite the missed games), and No. 1 overall in 2013, 2012 and 2011. If the Pro Bowls and first-team All-Pro nod weren't enough to dispel that theory, the PFF grades ought to do it. If he's not the best guard in the NFL, he's on the shortlist.

His contract? That makes more sense, as it's the on-the-record reason for his leaving Philadelphia.

"We weren't going to come to a conclusion in terms of a contract extension," Kelly said at the time of Mathis' release, per Phil Sheridan of ESPN.com. "We weren't going to extend any contract or adjust any contract, so we granted him what his agent asked for."

Kelly, whose stated desire this offseason has been to balance cap spending between offense and defense, understandably was not eager to set the market for what's traditionally been one of the lowest-impact, lowest-priority positions on the roster.

Further, adding a premium contract at this point in the summer is hard—surely why Mathis' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, pushed for an earlier release—as team's rosters and salary caps are largely set. Indeed, the Rams have the seventh-least amount of space under the cap right now with just $6.8 million to spare, per OvertheCap.com.

This is the real reason Mathis hasn't signed anywhere: Teams aren't sure they need him yet.

 

[RamWoodie]

I pass. I'd rather the Rams work with what they have! You have to develop your center...you may as well start now. If they see the need to make a move...they'll do it...but not now with Mathis.

The Rams have Barnes, Rhaney, and Wang. We already know Barnes can play that spot well.