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The Philadelphia Eagles have released Pro Bowl guard Evan Mathis, according to Pro Football Talk. The guard had been angling for a new contract for a while, but the Eagles weren't willing to pay a 33-year-old offensive guard quality money. As a vested veteran, Mathis will be a free agent and will not go through waivers.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers should be very interested in Evan Mathis, who has been one of the best guards in the NFL over the past years. While he likely doesn't have a long shelf-life left given his age, he was still a very good player last year. In fact, Pro Football Focus ranked him 59th in their Top 101 and noted that he graded positively in every single game he played in 2014. Mathis made the Pro Bowl in 2013 and 2014 and was named a first-team All-Pro in 2013.
The Bucs are set to start Ali Marpet at right guard, although the rookie hasn't overtaken journeyman and all-around disaster Garrett Gilkey yet in OTAs. With Marpet's lack of experience at a high level, giving him an extra year to acclimate to the NFL while backing up Mathis will give the Bucs some much-needed security along the offensive line. The Bucs certainly have the cap space to sign Mathis to a competitive contract, and he'd instantly make this team much better.