Perhaps Rob might get his wish, after all. Earlier in the week he suggested the Green Bay Packers go after free agent receiver Jordan Matthews. That such a signing could perhaps give Aaron Rodgers his best receiving corps since the heady days of Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Donald Driver, James Jones, etc.
Well, maybe the Packers were listening. They had Matthews in for a visit on Thursday.
Former Bills’ and Eagles’ WR Jordan Matthews visited today with the Green Bay Packers, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 22, 2018
Matthews is an interesting guy. After three seasons with the Eagles, he was dealt to the Bills prior to the 2017 season. The deal was Matthews and a third-round pick for cornerback Ronald Darby. That looks like a pretty decent deal for Philly. They only got eight games from Darby because of injury, but he picked off three passes, had 34 tackles and defended nine passes in that limited action.
Ironically, Matthews had a similar fate with the Bills. He managed 10 games, caught 25 for 282 and a touchdown before a knee injury ended his season.
Not stellar production in Buffalo for Matthews. However, he was pretty solid with the Eagles. Starting from his rookie year, Matthews had 872, 997 and 804 yards receiving. So maybe think about if he played with Aaron Rodgers and not Tyrod Taylor, the rookie version of Carson Wentz, Sam Bradford and Mark Sanchez, or Nick Foles and Mark Sanchez.
Matthews has speed (4.46 40), height (6’3″) and some bulk (212). Compare that with Jennings, who was 6’0″, 198 and ran a 4.42 40. Matthews is similarly fast, but bigger.
The question is about injuries. Matthews underwent thumb surgery last October. He returned from that and was put on IR in December with what was apparently a lingering knee injury.
So is the guy’s body going to fall apart at some point soon? The Packers’ doctors will have to decide that. We imagine that was a big part of the organization’s visit with Matthews. The good news is, we are clearly in the second wave of free agency, where you can have guys with potential upside for cheap.
And hey, in this case, maybe the Packers’ front office can actually employ their low-balling, come-play-with-Aaron-Rodgers strategy effectively.
Sign him
HOWARD
02/19/2018 at 12:11 pm
If Jordan Matthews was available at the right price, he may fit. Matthews had a bad year last year due to injuries and being traded to a new team. I don’t believe Matthews has had a history of injuries except for last year?
There is probably a reason that Matthews was traded. One reason may be he wanted too much money from the Eagles for what he was worth. With the off year from Matthews in 2017 it is possible Matthews may come cheaper than expected. If Matthews was available after the first couple of days of free agency I think the Packers should make an offer. Matthews can play all the receiver positions. Matthews has some speed, athletic ability, and route running skills.
Now that they fixed the defense with TW, we can fix the real problem, replacing Jordy.
Matthews is a rare tall WR who is excellent in the slot. That is where he got most his yards in Philly. Tall vs. those small slot guys he just ate them up. Issue here is that he is not near as good on the outside. So do you squander his real talent or do you push Cobb outside and let him be quietly shucked by opposing CBs?
Matthews would be much better utilized in Minnesota! (Jordan, not Clay-mation)
That’s what I’m talking about Gute! Bring em on in! Tramon, Jordan Matthews, hell lets bring in Eric Reid, Revis and DRC yet too just for shits and giggles. I love it! That’s using FA! SsSpe
we only want Jordan Matthews if Jordan wants to do in Green Bay better than he has done so far in his career.
He came into the league expected a<lotcof and didnt pan out for Philly.
If he doesnt prefer Green Bay, no matter who is throwing, I would rather not have him.
We do NOT need another prima donna, immature, eloquent, big mouth, spoiled brat, lying, opportunistic, greedy fake like Martellus Bennett among our WR.
Guy also has a reputation as being one of the best teammates & locker-room guys in all the league. Class act