SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Broncos and Evan Mathis seemed like they would be a perfect match. Facing a realistic possibility in preseason that the team's offensive line would feature at least three first-year or rookie starters following Ryan Clady’s season-ending ACL tear in OTAs, the Broncos yearned for a talented veteran to bolster the left side of the offensive line.
A possible answer to their search was Mathis, who had been cut by the Eagles in June, but Mathis was not about to jump to a quick decision. The Broncos' spending ability limited them to make an offer that wouldn't be as substantial as another team, but Denver boasted a roster loaded with talent, which clearly played heavily into his decision.