Is Evan Mathis The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Answer at Guard?By Leo Howell - Mar 26th, 2014 at 10:40 pm 
Nov 17, 2013; Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia Eagles guard Todd Herremans (79) center Jason Kelce (62) and guard Evan Mathis (69) line up during the fourth quarter against the Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Redskins 24-16. Howard Smith-USA TODAY The Tampa Bay Buccaneers seemed to have a complete offensive line this offseason after they completed the signings of Anthony Collins and Evan Dietrich-Smith, as combining these newcomers with Jeremy Zuttah, Carl Nicks and Demar Dotson would make for a solid front five. However, Zuttah was then traded by the Buccaneers, leaving a hole on the offensive line with a thin free agent pool to attempt to fill that hole. So could the Bucs be considering a trade to fill their need for a starting guard? Evan Mathis of the Philadelphia Eagles is on the trading block, according to NFL.com’s Lance Cartelli and Ian Rapoport. And while Mathis is older and more expensive than Zuttah, he’s also one of the best guards in the NFL. The 32-year-old is set to make $5.15 million in 2014, according to NFL.com, and that’s more than the Eagles would reportedly like to pay. The Buccaneers, on the other hand, have the cash to make that deal work. But would they? It doesn’t seem to fit the modus operandi of Jason Licht to add an expensive, older player, but considering the team’s need at guard and the lack of options left, Mathis may be the right fit. According to Pro Football Focus, no guard was better in 2013 than Mathis. He dominated as a run blocker, and was serviceable in other areas, leading to the top grade among guards. Last year wasn’t an anomaly for Mathis, either, as he’s been consistently strong over the past few years. The NFL.com report indicates that Mathis wants a new deal, so if the Buccaneers are willing to invest in an older-than-ideal guard with a dominant track record, and can find the right price for both parties, this could be a huge addition to bolster their line http://thepewterplank.com/2014/03/26/nfl-trade-rumors-evan-mathis-tampa-bay-buccaneers-answer-guard/ According to CBS' Jason La Canfora, the Eagles are seeking a third-round pick for LG Evan Mathis.Prior to the Combine, Mathis' reps went to the Eagles and asked for a new contract. The organization instead suggested they explore the trade market. Mathis has been among the game's best guards for three straight years, but isn't a scheme fit everywhere due to his size and will turn 33 in November. If the Eagles do end up finding a trade partner, they'd likely plug in Allen Barbre at left guard. Mar 26 - 11:20 PMSource: Jason La Canfora on Twitter
