New York Jets: Why it makes sense not to sign Evan Mathis

By Luis Tirado Jr. | Jun 14, 2015

The New York Jets have some question marks at offensive guard but it’s not anything to go crazy over. Ever since Evan Mathis was released by the Philadelphia Eagles, the football world has been trying to figure out what team will bring him into the mix. While there is no denying the talent he would bring no matter what team he ends up on, the Jets are actually just fine at guard when one thinks about it.

Mathis is looking for a reasonably large contract considering he’s still one of the top guards playing today in the NFL. Since he turned down a $5.5 million dollar deal to continue playing with the Eagles, he’s probably looking for a lot more than that due to what he brings to the table.

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The Jets have been one of the highest spending teams this offseason making sure they bolster key weaknesses all across the team, especially on defense. While they could certainly use an anchor like Mathis on their offensive line, it’s unrealistic that the Jets will throw the kind of money he’s looking for his way. They barely have $5 million left to play with in salary cap space at the current moment.

With James Carpenter, Dakota Dozier, Oday Aboushi, Willie Colon, Brent Qvale and Brian Winters all in the mix this upcoming season at the position, the Jets are better off sticking with what they have. Aboushi looks like he’s leading the pack to be a starter as Colon also should show enough to remain a starter as well.

With more than enough depth at the position, the Jets should stick with their youthful corps at the position instead of taking a chance on Mathis who will be 34 years old in November. Overall, it’s best the Jets stay away from Mathis and not entertain the idea of shelling out that kind of big money for someone who is entering the final stages of his career that sees him entering his 11th season in 2015.

Next: Geno Smith: Is he the long-term answer of New York Jets?

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