Report: Dolphins Working on Trade for Pro Bowler Evan Mathis
The Miami Dolphins may be on the cusp of a another colossal splash this offseason, a day after signing the best free agent available in defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to the richest contract for a defensive player in NFL history.
The team is reportedly efforting another star in the trenches, according to the Miami Herald, "working on" a trade to acquire two-time Pro Bowl offensive guard Evan Mathis from the Philadelphia Eagles. He actually played for the Dolphins briefly in 2008 before getting released.
A Pro Bowler in each of the last two seasons, Mathis is among the best offensive linemen in football as Pro Football Focus' guard rankings indicate dating back to 2011.
2014: 2nd
2013: 1st
2012: 1st
2011: 1st
The 33-year-old interior lineman allowed his quarterback to get hit just twice all of last season but missed seven games due to an MCL sprain suffered in Week 1.
Adding a proven veteran guard to what's been a problematic offensive line would allow Mike Pouncey to shift back to his natural position of center after playing guard last season. Mathis is heading into the fourth year of a five-year contract that will pay him a base salary of $5.5 million in 2015 and $6.5 million in 2016.
One has to wonder whether Dolphins defensive end Dion Jordan, who played under Chip Kelly at Oregon, will be among the players proffered in a potential swap.
Also, and this is purely just a fun fact, Mathis was the highest rated offensive lineman in Madden 25 (2013 version).
Update: The Dolphins denied the Herald report.
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