Evan Mathis disputes Chip Kelly's thinking about his release

PHILADELPHIA -- A week following the departure of left guard Evan Mathis from Chip Kelly's graces, the Eagles boss on Tuesday addressed what exactly his thinking was behind the move. Many were wondering why the club didn't seek a trade for him, getting anything in return, before cutting him without any money.

Mathis, apparently, was listening.

"We waited as long as we could to trade Evan," Kelly said at the team's workouts this afternoon, also complimenting on his effort last season, despite the time he missed.

Kelly also said that Mathis asked to be released from the team several times, and that they granted his request only because they didn't want to pay him any more money and that if Mathis didn't want to be there, then they didn't want him there.

Which contradicts the long standing rumors around the franchise that no words had been exchanged between they and Mathis during the entire offseason.

Mathis responded shortly after Kelly spoke, per Geoff Mosher of CSN Philadelphia.

"I would have played under the contract and been fine  -- like last year," Mathis said, who also added that the he did ask to be cut once in March. 

"I can block stuff out and not let it be a distraction," he added. "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."

The Eagles could have cut Mathis had he shown up sooner for camp, though with him making that appearance would have been due his whole $5.5 million salary, even in the event of a season-ending injury. 

Regardless of all that, the Eagles still find themselves in a quandary up front. In a group deprived of depth and that last season was plagued by injuries, many thought the team would look to add some youth through the draft or some experience through free agency. It's not like Kelly was a shrinking violet during the offseason in his new position.

But nothing came -- that is, until they signed Jared Wheeler, a man who hasn't played a down of pro football. 

Like these moves, every win and loss the Eagles take this season will be the personal property of Chip Kelly. Time will only tell if he's heralded as among the best in the game or a man looking for a job alongside Evan Mathis.