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Eagles reportedly to release Ryan Mathews

By Brad Berreman

Oct 9, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Ryan Mathews (24) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Ryan Mathews (24) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Philadelphia Eagles did not get a top running back in the draft, but Ryan Mathews may still find himself looking for a new team.

The Philadelphia Eagles need to add talent around quarterback Carson Wentz, and running back stood out as a particular need. But two backs (Leonard Fournette, Christian McCaffrey) went in the top 10 overall, and the Minnesota Vikings jumped up to take Dalvin Cook before the Eagles could consider him in the second round.

The Eagles wound up taking all-time FBS rushing leader (6,405 yards) Donnel Pumphrey in the fourth round (No. 132 overall), and he joins a running back mix that is shaping up to be a full-blown committee. That said, one incumbent member of that potential backfield split may be cut soon.

As part of his breakdown of the Eagles’ offense after the draft, Jimmy Kempski of Philly Voice.com suggests Ryan Mathews will still be released once he passes a physical. A serious neck injury that required surgery ended Mathew’s’ 2016 season early, and though he’s been cleared to work out now the $4 million he is owed for 2017 is not guaranteed.

Mathews was mentioned as a candidate for release almost immediately after last season ended. If his injury history isn’t enough to put that on the Eagles’ radar, with just one full 16-game season in seven NFL  campaigns, Mathews turning 30 in October should do it. Once he’s medically cleared and passes a physical, the move can be made without financial implication or any threat of backlash from the player’s association.

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Mathews will probably have to wait for an injury somewhere to find a new team once he is inevitably cut, with LeGarrette Blount and Jamaal Charles currently available. He could wind up on someone’s 53-man roster heading into Week 1, or if his neck issue remains a concern retirement would have to be on the table for Mathews too.

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