The Philadelphia Eagles released guard Evan Mathis on Thursday.
Eagles coach Chip Kelly made the decision to release Mathis. The release is a result of a contract dispute between the Eagles and Mathis. Mathis was scheduled to make $5.5 million this year and $6 million next year, according to the Associated Press. He missed all of the Eagles voluntary practices this spring and is now a free agent.
''Thanks for the memories Philly'' Mathis tweeted on Thursday.
Mathis was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2005. He signed a five-year, $25 milion contract with the Eagles in 2011. He has started 56 games for the Eagles, but only played in nine last year due to a sprained left knee. In the last four seasons with the Eagles, Mathis led all Eagles offensive players with 3,675 snaps and made the Pro Bowl the last two years, according to ESPN. In 2013 he was an All-Pro.
Allen Barbre, who replaced Mathis in practices, could be Mathis’ replacement. Mathis joins running back LeSean McCoy, quarterback Nick Foles, linebacker Trent Cole, and wide receiver Jeremy Maclin among the players who have left the Eagles this offseason.