NFL Notes: Evan Mathis, Buccaneers, Colts, & Eagles

Evan Mathis

• An NFL GM with interest in possibly signing free agent G Evan Mathis tells Peter King: “I’m not paying an old guard $5 million a year.“

Buccaneers

• Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports that Buccaneers HC Lovie Smith will takeover calling the team’s defensive plays this year from defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier.
• Smith declined to offer a comment regarding the move, Stroud adds his “hands-on role was evident in Thursday’s preseason practice.“

Colts

Jason La Canfora writes that no matter if it’s really fair or not, the 2015 season will end up being Super Bowl or bust for Colts HC Chuck Pagano.

According to La Canfora, there is “consistent chatter around the league about tension between Pagano and general manager Ryan Grigson.”

La Canfora adds that this could lead to owner Jim Irsay choosing between Grigson and Pagano, depending on how things play out in 2015.

Here’s an interesting note from La Canfora: Grigson was a big supporter of Pep Hamilton being their offensive coordinator, while Pagano was more inclined to go with Rob Chudzinski.

Eagles

• Jason Cole of B/R reports that the Eagles believe DE Fletcher Cox and OLB Brandon Graham will improve pass-rush productivity, which should lead to more turnovers in 2016.