The Philadelphia Eagles announced that they have signed free agent running back Ryan Mathews to a three-year deal. Though terms of the deal were not disclosed, it's expected to be worth up to $11.5 million that includes $5 million in guaranteed money, according to Adam Schefter.
Eagles announce 3-year deal with RB Ryan Mathews
Chip Kelly finally lands his north-south running back -- and yet another player with major injury concerns.
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The Eagles are also expected to sign the NFL’s leading rusher from last season, DeMarco Murray.
Mathews, 27, is heading to a new team for the first time in his career after spending his first five seasons with the San Diego Chargers, where he was selected in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. His time with the Chargers was plagued by injuries -- he played in all 16 games just one time in his five-year career. He missed 10 games last season with an MCL injury and an ankle injury.
Mathews managed to start 14 games only twice in his career, in 2011 and 2013. He racked up 2,346 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in those two years combined, including a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2011. He tallied only 330 yards and three touchdowns in his final season, though, while battling knee and ankle injuries. He eventually took a backseat to Branden Oliver during the stretch run of the 2014 season.
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Except for the injuries, the Fresno State product offers a similar package of skills as Gore and Mark Ingram, two other backs the Eagles chased. He fits what Kelly wants to do on offense by adding a true north-south running back for an inside zone system.
The Eagles also have Darren Sproles and Chris Polk at running back, which means they won’t need to lean on Mathews for a heavy workload. If that can help him stay healthy, it could turn out to be a net plus for the team. But like every other move the Eagles have made so far this offseason, it’s just another question mark for now.
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