The dream of signing Evan Mathis has finally ended, because the Denver Broncos just signed him to a $2.5 million deal with the possibility to earn another $4 million in incentives. Most football minds would say that is a lot of money to give a 33 year old Guard. However, he is considered by many to be one of the best Guards in the entire league – and surely, the best available. The mind boggling thing about this is, the contract parameters are exactly the range Miami would have been able to afford.
For Mathis and the Broncos it’s perfect for all sides; he can earn more than his original $5.5 million dollar deal with the Eagles, and the Broncos get a former Pro Bowl player that is going to be trying extra hard so he can reach his $4 million in incentives. Miami’s front office has done a lot of masterful signings this off-season, but this is one signing that they really should have made.
Sure the argument can be made that the Dolphins are pretty tapped out in regards to the salary cap and any savings that they have this year can be used for next season. Also, some of the best sportsbooks in the world are saying that they have 3 young Guards on the roster, and the only way the organization can see if they are worthy is by letting them play. With the Dolphins passing on Mathis, the organization is saying they have faith in their young Guards ( Douglas, Thomas and Turner) and are willing to start the season with them – maybe even rest the fate of the season on them!
I can understand those arguments, but at the same time this season is playoff or bust. Every little advantage counts, especially having adequate offensive line play. The offensive line is the foundation of the entire offense and if the Guards can not hold their own, then this is a domino effect that can cause the passing and running game to suffer.
I would have loved to have signed Mathis, but now I guess we will have to live with our current Guards and hope that they can quickly develop into solid players this season. What does the rest of the Miami Dolphins news fans think about the Dolphins decision to not sign Mathis?
for only $20!
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