NFL Notes: Evan Mathis, Bears, Jaguars, Jets, & Packers

Evan Mathis

Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com spoke to a source close to the situation who mentioned that Evan Mathis nor anyone in his camp asked the Eagles to release him since March.

According to Mathis, he would have honored his contract this season, despite requesting his release several months ago.

“Yes, I would have played under the contract and been fine — like last year,” said Mathis. “I can block stuff out and not let it be a distraction. I missed voluntary stuff, but I was still working hard. It doesn’t mean I was going to be a bad apple. I would never do that.”

In regards to a reworked deal, Mathis said he was specifically looking to add incentives to the agreement that would have boosted his pay to to fair-market value.

“Why not have a couple of years where I could at least have the opportunity to achieve it?” Mathis said. “That’s what I was proposing … that I had to be absolutely elite to earn it. One hundred percent that’s all we were trying to do the last few months.”

Bears

• Bears G Kyle Long continued to work at right tackle on Tuesday with Jordan Mills sidelined. (Adam Jahns)
• TE Martellus Bennett participated in Day 1 of mandatory minicamp, despite holding out of OTAs for a new contract. (Jeff Dickerson)

Jaguars

• Jaguars HC Gus Bradley mentioned that second-year WR Marqise Lee (knee) won’t participate in this week’s minicamp, but he should be ready for training camp. (Mark Long)
• According to Adam Caplan, Jaguars second-round pick T.J. Yeldon not only could end up as the team’s starting running back, but could also be a three-down player for them.
• Yeldon reportedly has the best hands of any running back on the Jaguars’ roster.
• Caplan points to the Jaguars depth and versatility on their offensive line as a big improvement for them.
• Undrafted rookie CB Nick Marshall has reportedly “flashed at times” during Jaguars’ offseason workouts, according to Caplan.

Jets

• Rich Cimini of ESPN.com takes a look at some veteran players who could be on the roster bubble this summer.
• According to Cimini, OLB Jason Babin, DE Stephen Bowen, G Willie Colon, LB Erin Henderson, OLB Calvin Pace, WR DeVier Posey and RB Stevan Ridley are among the players fighting for roster spots.

Packers

• Rob Demovsky mentions that QB Matt Blanchard is “so far ahead” of fifth-round rookie Brett Hundley in Packers’ practice.
• However, Demovsky admits that this likely won’t matter in the end for Blanchard.