The dormant free-agent market became more intriguing late last week when Philadelphia cut guard Evan Mathis. He is considered a top-tier guard and is very likely the best player currently on the market.
NFL Media mentioned the Oakland Raiders are one of the top four fits to sign Mathis. However, ESPN's John Clayton did not mention the Raiders when discussing the teams he most likely believes could sign Mathis.
Mathis is expected to consider many options and there are reasons to believe Oakland can be interested. They do not have a set starter at right guard, they have $16.9 million remaining in salary-cap room, which is in the sixth most in the NFL. New Oakland offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave was on the Eagles' staff last year.
However, I don't get the sense the Raiders are going to be big players for Mathis because he is already 33, and the team is happy with their trio of right guards. J'Marcus Webb will enter training camp as the favorite to win the right guard job, but he will be in competition with fellow veteran Khalif Barnes and fourth-round pick Jon Feliciano. The Raiders want Feliciano to be the long-term starter.
Many of the teams pursuing Mathis are legitimate contenders and Mathis is said to be more interesting in going to a known winner as opposed to a rebuilding team. In the end, I think a Mathis signing in Oakland is possible, but unlikely.
One veteran offensive lineman to keep an eye on the coming months could be tackle Sam Baker, who Atlanta cut Monday. New Oakland offensive line coach Mike Tice was in Atlanta last year. Baker missed all of last season with a torn patella tendon. Baker could potentially be an option if the Raiders want some veteran depth at tackle.
