Evan Mathis finally has a new home and the Denver Broncos have added a potentially vital piece to their offensive line.
The Broncos announced on Tuesday afternoon they have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with Mathis, a two-time Pro Bowl guard who spent his last four seasons with the Eagles. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Mathis will earn up to $4 million with incentives tied to playing time. He turned down a $5.5 million offer from another team because of his desire to play for a contender, according to a source involved of the deal. Mathis signed his new contract Wednesday morning.
Mathis, 33, will step in for Max Garcia as the team's starting left guard. Broncos general manager John Elway tweeted about the move minutes after the team's announcement.
Mathis represents a huge upgrade for a Broncos team that started three players without a snap of NFL experience in their most recent preseason game. Mathis missed seven games with a knee injury last season, but played at a Pro Bowl-level upon his return. ProFootballFocus.com graded Mathis as the No. 2 guard in the NFL last season. He topped the site's guard rankings from 2011 to 2013.
One interesting wrinkle to the signing: Mathis' base salary of $4 million is equal to the pay cut Peyton Manning took from the Broncos in the offseason. Manning might not have wanted to give that scratch up, but at least it ended up being invested in the guys that protect him.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast discusses Jordy Nelson's knee injury and gives its winners and losers from Week 2 of the preseason.