Philadelphia Eagles: Five players to target before the trade deadline
Jordan Matthews, Wide Receiver, San Francisco 49ers
Not all of these deals have to be blockbuster trades to make a big impact. This player has only played in one game and doesn’t have a reception this season. But bringing him to the Philadelphia Eagles could be a huge move for the offense and quarterback Carson Wentz. I think the Philadelphia Eagles should seriously consider bringing back wide receiver Jordan Matthews.
While Matthews had his best seasons with the Eagles before Carson Wentz entered the picture, but he was a steady and reliable target for Wentz in his rookie season. Poor Matthews was traded prior to the Eagles Super Bowl season, and then was brought back afterward, missing out on that incredible run.
Matthews just signed with the 49ers in early October, so the Eagles had a chance to sign him if they were interested, but I think they may have missed out on a great opportunity to bring back a reliable target for their offense this season. With the Niners trading for Emmanuel Sanders, he should be even easier to get.
With their top receivers, Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson, both dealing with injury trouble this season, a steady, sure-handed target familiar with the organization would have paid dividends in many games already this season. Even when both are on the field and healthy, Matthews could come in and run solid routes and catch passes whenever called upon.
He wouldn’t have to be the main target and wouldn’t be racking up 800+ receiving yards as he did in his first three seasons in the NFL. With Nelson Agholor struggling to make catches throughout the year, Matthews would be a welcomed sight for Wentz and could run routes out of the slot with Jeffery and Jackson outside.
Young receivers J.J. Arcega-Whiteside and Mack Hollins failed to really fill the void of the injured receivers early in the season, and may just need some more time to develop. Why not bring in a veteran who is just 27-years-old and is very familiar with the Eagles organization?
It would cost next to nothing to give Matthews a chance to bring a sense of glue and dependability to the offense and passing game for this Eagles team. Eagles fans and players would surely welcome Matthews back with open arms after the struggles of the receiving corps to this point and with DeSean Jackson still sidelined.
Wide Receiver is certainly a position that could be upgraded with a talented player, but sometimes familiarity and comfort can be more beneficial than raw talent.