Evan

Mathis

Mathis was probably the fastest player in last year’s draft. ''He looks a lot smoother and more confident right now,’' coach Dom Capers said. Mathis could challenge Corey Bradford to be Houston’s prime deep threat this year.

The extent of the injury is unknown.

The athletic 2005 third-rounder is the likely replacement for Tutan Reyes, who departed for Buffalo this offseason.

His afternoon is through. The Eagles’ offensive line provided almost no protection for Michael Vick this afternoon, who was knocked out in the fourth quarter with a broken right hand. Mathis’ status should be updated on Monday.

Mathis has drawn interest from as many as four teams, but sounds like he might give the Eagles a chance to match any offer. With Carl Nicks and Ben Grubbs both off the market, Mathis is by far the best remaining free agent guard.

“I’d like to return,” Mathis said. “I do get the impression that they want me back.” Mathis has hinted he’s willing to give the Eagles a slight “hometown discount,” but can’t negotiate before the start of free agency since he played under a “minimum salary benefit” contract in 2011. The third best guard on the market behind Carl Nicks and Ben Grubbs, there will be competition for his services.

Like Laurent Robinson and Jordan Babineaux, Mathis and Landri both played for the “minimum salary benefit” in 2011 and therefore must make it to the market unsigned per NFL policy. The Eagles want to re-sign both players, but their chances are decreased by the rule. Mathis, 30, is coming off a dominant season. He’s the No. 3 guard on the market behind Carl Nicks and Ben Grubbs.

The deal includes $11 million guaranteed, and locks Herremans up through 2016, when he will be 34. Herremans was switched from left guard to right tackle late in training camp last season, but held his own as Michael Vick’s blindside protector, allowing just four sacks. The Eagles will likely now turn their attention to locking up impending free agent LG Evan Mathis.

Mathis is on the record as hoping to re-sign with the Eagles, but Todd Herremans’ three-year, $21 million extension could complicate his chances of remaining in the City of Brotherly Love. Mathis couldn’t negotiate with the Eagles until the start of free agency because he played under a “minimum salary benefit” contract in 2011. He graded out as the league’s top left guard by Pro Football Focus last season, and could prove to be an excellent low-cost alternative to fellow free agent OGs Carl Nicks and Ben Grubbs.