After trading starter LeSean McCoy to the Buffalo Bills, and losing out on running back Frank Gore, Chip Kelly and the Eagles searched quickly for a replacement. They have one now, signing former San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews to a three-year deal. The deal is reportedly worth $11.5 million, and includes $5 million in guarantees.
Eagles and former Chargers RB Ryan Mathews officially have reached agreement on 3-year, $11.5 million deal that includes $5M gtd, per source
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2015
The 27-year old was a first-round pick of the Chargers in the 2010 NFL Draft and had a pair of 1,000-yard seasons in San Diego. However his career to date has been marred by a variety of injuries. Mathews suffered through both knee and ankle problems last season which limited him to just six games, 330 yards rushing and three touchdowns. He also added 9 receptions for 69 yards. He has played all 16 games just once in his five-year NFL career.
At this point, barring any other moves, we can expect Mathews to be the lead back for the Eagles. However, with Darren Sproles on the roster, we shouldn’t expect to see him on many passing downs, and Sproles will get his share of work in the running game as well. Chip Kelly likes to run an offense with multiple weapons so a lot of playing time and touches will be given to both backs if they stay healthy.
It should be noted that according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, this move does not end Philadelphia’s search for Running Backs. The team is still in the hunt for free agent DeMarco Murray, and are trying to sign him away from their division rivals, the Dallas Cowboys.
Landing Ryan Mathews does not end Philadelphia's pursuit of Dallas free-agent RB DeMarco Murray. Hardly.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2015
Main Photo Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
