Philadelphia Eagles Offseason Grades

Dec 21, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) carries the ball in the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles Sign Ryan Mathews to a three year, $11.5 Million Deal

When the news broke that Ryan Mathews would be signing with the Eagles most thought he was going to be the Eagles featured back next season, which was a bit of a shaky move for Chip Kelly. After the Eagles signed DeMarco Murray, making Mathews the backup running back, the move looked great.

Yes it may be a bit much for a backup, but Chip Kelly wants to utilize a run first offense, so he decided to acquire two very talented backs to be the engines of his offense. Also, Mathews can be cut at the end of the season to save $1 million of cap space, if the Eagles want to go that route.

Mathews has proven he can be a featured back for a team, but injuries have held him back throughout his career.

Having a player like Mathews coming off the bench when Murray needs a breather is deadly and will allow the opposing team no chance to catch their breath. Limiting his touches should help keep him healthy throughout the season as well.

Grade: B-

Eagles Sign DeMarco Murray to a five year, $42 Million Deal

After trading away their featured back and one of the top backs in the NFL earlier in the offseason, the Eagles were left with a gaping hole at running back heading into free agency.

After missing out on Frank Gore, the Eagles turned their attention to signing Murray and Mathews.

Murray was the top back on the market and he is the current NFL rushing champion. Not to mention, Murray played for the Eagles arch rival Cowboys for the past four seasons.

Murray is coming off a season in which he had a ton of touches, making a move of this caliber a bit of a risk, especially with Murray’s history of injuries. The move made people question whether Chip made the right call in choosing Murray over McCoy, but for more on that story, click here.

In short, Murray seems to be a better fit for the down hill running game the Chip Kelly wants to implement next season. If Murray stays healthy, this is a home run move, but that isn’t a sure thing, knocking the grade for this deal down a bit.

Grade: C+