^This^ And not so much as a campaign for Mathis but, a study in staying competitive while staying out of cap hell.
How much cap room do we have for this season? Couldn't we just sign him to a one year deal even if it's overpaying? This way we'll have some security at G and it gives us another year to develop some of the younger guys without risking anything.
This is why coaches get paid. Philbin's staff needs to get to work developing some of these young marginal players into viable starters and contributors. Either that or scheme up ways to hide their deficiencies. It's not at all realistic to want or expect upper tier players at every position.
A possible difference this year is that Philbin has to be desperate at this point. An 8-8 season means he loses his job. He will push to go all in. The question to me is how far will the rest of the FO go at this point
Considering Philbin's experience with OL, and his lack of experience developing guys along the OL while here, I wouldn't hold my breath on him, or our staff developing a 4th rounder like Douglas, and Billy Turner into starters. I'd much rather take the known quality player in Mathis for a year, or two while we see how Douglas or Turner develops. At least if you stick Mathis onto the OL, you're not faced with starting likely two "rookies" in Douglas and Turner. And yes, I purposely left Dallas Thomas out of this discussion. Although, maybe I shouldn't have, because he's a prime example of a developing player under Philbin and his staff right? I understand your position, however the reality of that position with this coaching staff is pretty uncertain.
I'm sure Miami would sign him for the right price. Can't see them willing to spend more than ~$2M at this point.
Philly did release him for a reason, but that doesn't mean he can't come in and help us. Wouldn't be surprised if we ink him though....We have a track record for signing veteran players that have been released at offensive line positions..Columbo, Shelley Smith, Colledge, etc. Yeah we'll sign Mathis for sure.