The Philadelphia Eagles added some running back depth when they took former San Diego State star Donnell Pumphrey in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, but they will likely need to make more moves at the position if and when they release Ryan Mathews.
Mathews, 29, suffered a herniated disk in his back late last season. He has been a major disappointment for Eagles fans, rushing for just 1,200 yards in his two seasons in Philly. According to Jimmy Kempski of Philly Voice, it would be a major surprise if the Eagles did not release the veteran.
Kempski is reporting that Mathews is “almost certain to be released,” which means the Eagles need more size at the position. Pumphrey is a dynamic playmaker, but he is just 5-foot-9 and weighs 170 pounds. Wendell Smallwood would be the the Eagles’ biggest back if Mathews is cut, and he is 5-foot-10, 200 pounds. Veteran Darren Sproles stands at 5-foot-6 and weighs 190.
The Eagles were said to be targeting Dalvin Cook, but the Minnesota Vikings ended up moving up in the second round to get the former Florida State star. In all likelihood, they are going to have to scour the undrafted free agent market in order to find a bigger back.
As for Mathews, his market is going to be limited. He’ll turn 30 next season and has a difficult time staying on the field. Neither of those facts are going to help him find work.
