AP Sources: Eagles Release Two-Time Pro Bowl Guard Mathis
ROB MAADDI, AP Pro Football Writer
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Chip Kelly dismissed another productive player.
Two people with direct knowledge of the situation say the Philadelphia Eagles released two-time Pro Bowl guard Evan Mathis on Thursday. Both people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team hasn't publicly disclosed the transaction.
Mathis had missed all voluntary practices this spring because of a contract dispute. He was due to earn $5.5 million this year and $6 million next year, but now becomes a free agent.
Kelly, who assumed full control of personnel decisions after his second season as head coach, has overhauled a roster that went 10-6 two years in a row. He traded 2013 Pro Bowl quarterback Nick Foles, two-time All-Pro running back LeSean McCoy and didn't re-sign Pro Bowl wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. Kelly also released longtime starting offensive lineman Todd Herremans, linebacker Trent Cole and cornerback Cary Williams.
In March 2014, Kelly released three-time Pro Bowl wideout DeSean Jackson after his best season. Remarkably, the Eagles couldn't even get a low draft pick for Jackson or Mathis. Kelly said during the draft that Mathis was available for two years without an offer.
Mathis had played in Philadelphia since 2011, starting 56 games including every game in 2012 and 2013. He was an All-Pro in 2013, helping McCoy set a single-season franchise record for yards rushing.
Mathis tweeted: "Thanks for the memories Philly" on Thursday afternoon.
It looked unlikely the Eagles would move Mathis after the draft, with only four starters returning on an aging offensive line. But Mathis forced Kelly to make a move by not showing to OTAs.
Allen Barbre replaced Mathis at left guard in practices.
Kelly's offseason additions include: quarterback Sam Bradford, All-Pro running back DeMarco Murray, linebacker Kiko Alonso, cornerback Byron Maxwell and running back Ryan Mathews.
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