Want a running back? Give the Eagles a call.
On top of a deal that's shipping out linebacker Kiko Alonso, cornerback Byron Maxwelland running backDeMarco Murray, the team is also letting other clubs know that Ryan Mathews is there for the taking, according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport.
The era of undoing the Chip Kelly era could start with a bang.
If new Eagles head coach Doug Pederson is planning on running a copycat version of Andy Reid's offense, downhill power runners aren't necessarily part of the plan. This is especially true for Murray, who had a massively disappointing season in 2015, and was eventually sidelined for Mathews, Darren Sproles and sometimes Kenjon Barner. In fact, Barner and Sproles seem like far more likely fits on the roster.
Mathews is the more surprising of the two. Despite missing three games last year, he averaged five yards per carry and had six touchdowns. He was arguably one of the better signings Kelly made during a white-knuckle free agency period a year ago. Teams still need power and experience down near the goal line, and Mathews could be the answer.
The line has now been drawn in the sand. The Eagles knew that firing Kelly meant a radical departure from the way Kelly operated. But that also means potentially isolating some of your highest-paid players in 2016 if they are unable to be moved during free agency. The Eagles have talent to sell, albeit talent that needs a change of scenery.
