Eagles Sign Mathews To Three-Year Deal

In a somewhat surprising move, running back Ryan Mathews signed a three-year deal with the Eagles today.

Terms of Mathews’ deal have not yet been released. The reason it’s surprising is because DeMarco Murray is also expected to sign with the team. An ESPN report suggested Murray would get $18 million in guaranteed money. The Eagles still have Darren Sproles and Chris Polk on the roster.

Considering the Eagles are about to have holes at both guard spots, safety and wide receiver, the investment in two running backs today is puzzling.

Mathews (6-0, 220) spent his first five seasons with the Chargers, totaling 4,061 yards on 923 attempts (4.4 YPC). He has 146 career receptions, although only nine of those came in 2014. Last season, Mathews carried 74 times for 330 yards in six games. He missed 10 games because of an ankle injury.

The 27-year-old Fresno State product ran a 4.45 coming out of college and was selected in the first round (12th overall). His best season was 2011 when Mathews ran for 1,091 yards and averaged 4.9 YPC. He also caught 50 balls for 455 yards that season and accounted for 13 plays of 20+ yards, earning a Pro Bowl spot.

Injuries have been an issue for Mathews throughout his career. Only once (2013) has he played all 16 games. Mathews has missed 14 games in the past three seasons.

More to come.