The Nelson Agholor versus Jordan Matthews debate is finally over: Matthews was traded to the Bills for third-year cornerback Ronald Darby. The Buffalo Bills also acquired a 2018 third-round pick for Matthews. In another move, the Bills also traded away former first-round pick Sammy Watkins and a sixth-rounder to the Los Angeles Rams for E.J. Gaines and a 2018 second-round pick. (You can read about the second trade here.)
Eagles Trade Jordan Matthews and Pick for Bills’ Ronald Darby
The Bills likely wanted to avoid contract talks with a wide receiver known for injury concerns. Sammy Watkins has yet to play a full season in his young career. Despite massive potential, the Clemson product never seemed to match his draft pedigree. Former Philadelphia Eagles receiver Jordan Matthews will likely take Watkins’ former role as the number one option. Aside from drop concerns, Matthews had been a quality receiver for Philly since he was drafted back in 2014. In Matthews’ career, he’s totaled 19 touchdowns, 2,673 yards, and 225 receptions.
As for Ronald Darby, the Eagles may have finally acquired a legitimate starting cornerback. Pro Football Focus had Darby as their 2015 Defensive Rookie of the Year. Darby’s sophomore season wasn’t stellar like his first, but he was earning praise in August training. Darby struggled in pass coverage last year, but was very capable as run-defender. The Bills are likely expecting E.J. Gaines to replace Darby.
What this means for the Eagles
Philadephia had a lot of receiver trouble last year so it might come as a small surprise that they would trade away one of their best. However, the Eagles signed both Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith in the off-season. They also drafted this guy:
A little @cj_wentz MAGIC!
And @mackhollins will not be stopped.
This was beautiful. #FlyEaglesFly #PHIvsGB pic.twitter.com/ym8Vu4swtq
— NFL (@NFL) August 11, 2017
The point is, the Eagles are probably set at wide receiver so they needed to address their other biggest concern. Enter, Ronald Darby. Philly had a lot of questions at corner. And while Patrick Robinson and Jalen Mills both looked pretty good in Preseason week one, depth never hurts.
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