Evan Mathis to the Colts Reportedly Not Happening

Earlier, we speculated whether the Indianapolis Colts could have potential interest in recently released former Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowl guard Evan Mathis. After making 8 starts last season for the Eagles, the 2x Pro Bowler and 1x All-Pro was handed his walking papers by Philadelphia after being unhappy over his contract.

Having previously served as the Eagles Director of Player Personnel, Colts General Manager Ryan Grigson has a great familiarity with Mathis, and the Colts could still arguably use some help along their offensive line. Given the high number of recent ex-Eagles jumping ship to the Colts in what’s been a proven pipeline, Mathis seemed like he’d at least be worth kicking the tires on for Indianapolis.

However, all indications are now that the Colts do not have much interest according to the mainstream media members that cover them:

Back to something really important: Football. So, re: Evan Mathis/Colts, not happening. I actually think the logic here makes some sense.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) June 16, 2015

Asked around and I don't think the colts pursue Evan Mathis. Don't want another AARP member
— Bob Kravitz (@bkravitz) June 13, 2015

It’s not necessarily surprising this late in the offseason, that the Colts would opt to roll with the group they currently have. However, this much is known, Mathis is one of the best veteran guards in all of football. The 33-year old was among one of the best performing guards last season and quite frankly, has been for the past few years:

Evan Mathis was our top graded OG from 2011-13, and was 2nd last year in just 9 games. Best OG in the game now available. #OnYourMarks
— PFF (@PFF) June 11, 2015

January 22, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Team Carter guard Evan Mathis of the Philadelphia Eagles (69) during the 2015 Pro Bowl practice at Luke Air Force Base. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

While the Colts may not want to get even older by bringing in another veteran player on the wrong side of 30, Mathis would theoretically be an upgrade over any guard not named Jack Mewhort. However, the Colts apparently have enough confidence in the players they currently have along their interior offensive line.

It’s highly possible they want to give someone like the 23 year old and former 2013 3rd round pick Hugh Thornton one more starting shot at guard to hopefully develop into a long-term piece along their offensive line to surround Andrew Luck.

For a team in “win-now” mode, it could be a significant gamble, especially when the health of your franchise player in Luck could potentially be at stake. Luck’s gotten hit way too much in recent seasons, and signing Mathis would go a long way towards minimizing his injury risk. Still, the Colts don’t necessarily have a dire need along their offensive line for Mathis, although he theoretically would provide a clear upgrade.

It will be interesting to see if the Colts reported confidence in their current guards will eventually pay off.

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