Evan Mathis no longer an option for Vikings

All-Pro guard Evan Mathis won’t be riding in on a purple horse to save the Vikings’ offensive line.

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On Tuesday the Denver Broncos signed the former Philadelphia Eagles lineman, giving Mathis a one-year deal worth at least $2.5 million and up to $4 million if all incentives are met.

Mathis is considered one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL but his salary was too rich for the Philadelphia Eagles who cut him after attempts to re-do his deal fell through.

The 33-year-old Mathis reportedly had a richer offer on the table from another team when he accepted the Broncos’ offer.

The Minnesota Vikings never expressed serious interest in Mathis that we know of, despite experiencing all sorts of issues on their offensive line.

Since OTAs and minicamp, the Vikings have shifted former starting RG Brandon Fusco to LG, tried multiple players at RG and replaced injured RT Phil Loadholt with rookie T.J. Clemmings (who initially was one of the guys trying out at RG).

Though the Vikings have expressed confidence in Clemmings, there was a report by ESPN’s Ed Werder that the team had interest in former Colts RT Gosder Cherilus before he went to Tampa Bay.

Throughout all the O-line hand-wringing there has been this notion in the minds of fans that if push came to shove the team could always reach out and pluck Mathis, and plug him in at one of the guard positions and instantly fix everything.

But as far as we know that was never a realistic option. The story about Mathis turning down a bigger offer to sign with Denver makes it seem like he was looking to latch on with a proven contender, which the Vikings are not.

Yes, the Vikings are a trendy sleeper pick and the fans are very excited but that doesn’t make them a proven contender in the eyes of free agents.

Fans losing sleep over the O-line may take solace in the fact that RG Mike Harris was their highest-graded offensive player vs. the Raiders according to PFF.

They may also find comfort in the fact that Matt Kalil thus far this preseason has given up zero pressures and has a positive PFF grade.

They may derive a modicum of reassurance from the knowledge that center John Sullivan should be okay after missing a game with back spasms.

Or not.

Next: Mick Tingelhoff enters Hall of Fame

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