Mathis on trade block, Kelly speaks about Jackson

Evan Mathis was one of the best guards in the NFL last year. Credit: Getty Images

Reports came out Wednesday that Eagles guard Evan Mathis asked for a new contract a few weeks ago, and the Eagles said no.

The team told the All-Pro they were open to trading him, and though he has been shopped to a few teams, none offered to step up with a third or fourth round pick, the compensation the Eagles want for the 32-year-old.

Mathis is two years into a five-year, $25 million contract, and other NFL teams have been lukewarm about his age and his $5.15 million salary for the upcoming season, 14th highest among active guards.

“Do I worry about Evan? No,” Chip Kelly told the media. “You talk about go-to-work lunch pail mentality, that’s Evan Mathis. I don’t worry about Evan from that standpoint.”

ChipKelly won’t confirm status of Jackson

In remarks to the media Wednesday morning, Eagles head coach Chip Kelly commented on his positive regard for Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson.

He also said he has been in contact with Jackson for several days now.

“We had a good conversation. We’re always going to do what’s best for the football team,” Kelly told reporters. “I think he knows where we are, and I know where he is. I feel very comfortable about it … I like DeSean. DeSean did a really nice job for us. But we’re always going to do what’s best for the organization.”

However, the coach went out of his way to avoid denying whether the Eagles have tried to, or will try to trade the Pro Bowler, leaving speculation to answer those questions.

Metro Philadelphia