Philadelphia Eagles: Could Evan Mathis be back in 2016?

The Philadelphia Eagles released Evan Mathis before the 2015 season, but could Mathis return for 2016?

Before the start of the 2015 season, former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly decided to release his Pro Bowl and All-Pro left guard, Evan Mathis.

That decision, which turned out to be one of the many poor decisions by Kelly, was one that really impacted the Eagles in 2015. It was clear at the start of the year, during the year, and as the year ended that the Eagles need better play from their offensive guards.

The Eagles two starting guards, Matt Tobin and Allen Barbre, played poorly in 2015, and Pro Football Focus (PFF) had them ranked as the 49th and 52nd ranked guards in football.

Related Story: 13 2016 NFL Draft Targets At Pick 13 For The Eagles

Barbre was the player who “replaced” Mathis, but as you see; he did not do a very good job at it.

To make matters worse, Mathis continued to show he was one of the best guards in football this past season. Mathis was ranked third for all guards by PFF and he was the highest ranked run blocker with a 96.1 grade.

More from Philadelphia Eagles

• Philadelphia Eagles just won the offseason NFL uniform competition
• 2023 NFL Predictions: Every Divisional Winner for the 2023 Season
• Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts keeps things in perspective
• 2023 NFL Season: Way too early picks for division winners
• Biggest Strength and Weakness for each NFC East team in 2023

The former Eagle not only played well, his team, the Denver Broncos, played well and he walked away from 2015 with a Super Bowl ring. (Mathis opened the hole for the game-sealing touchdown in Super Bowl 50)

I would tell Eagles fans to try and ignore all of these facts because they probably hurt, but there is some hope from all of these statistics.

In a recent interview with NFL Spin Zone, I asked Mathis the following, “Speaking of the Eagles, your former team is looking for help at guard. I guess they released their best run blocker before the 2015 season, but that was the decision by their former head coach. You’re going to be a free agent and I know that a lot of fans would welcome you back with open arms. Any chance at a reunion in Philadelphia and that you’ll be back as an Eagle in 2016?”

Mathis replied with, “I haven’t thought much about the future, but I do know it’s too early to rule anything out.”

Now, do not jump around the room and tell your friends that Mathis is a lock to be back in 2016, but definitely watch this:

“So you’re telling me there’s a chance?”

More from NFL Spin Zone

• Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
• Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
• Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
• Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
• Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens

There is no doubt that Eagles fans would welcome back their former fan-favorite and one of the best players on their offense. There is also no doubt that the Eagles new head coach, Doug Pederson, and the rest of his staff would want to add a veteran guard who can help their run game immediately.

Mathis may be getting older, he just turned 34 in November, but he is still playing at a high level. He would be able to come in, be comfortable with the city of Philadelphia, and be an impact player on that offensive line.

More nfl spin zone: Eagles Three-Round Mock: Is Paxton Lynch the answer?

Many may say that there is no way he returns after he was released by the Birds before the start of 2015, but his answer to the questions clearly shows that Kelly was the one who got rid of him. Kelly is gone, Howie Roseman, who gave Mathis his five-year, $25.5 million dollar deal in 2012, is back, so Mathis making a return to Philly has a legitimate chance.

If Evan Mathis isn’t ruling out a return to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2016, neither should you.