DeMarco Murray has landed in Philadelphia and is expected to sign with the Eagles by the end of Thursday. The running back personally called Chip Kelly about his interest in the team after the trade for Sam Bradford was finalized and the Eagles head coach looks to be taking him up on that offer. With a contract expected, what happens to the three-year deal Ryan Mathews was offered?
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Murray is expected to sign a contract with the Eagles. This deal has been in development for the past 24 hours and looks to be finalized soon enough. Schefter reports the Dallas Cowboys have already accepted that Murray will not re-sign with the team and they are beginning their search for his replacement. As Philadelphia works through the contract for Murray, what happens to Mathews?
According to Schefter, Mathews agreed to a three-year, $11.5 million contract that includes $5 million in guaranteed money. The interest in the former San Diego Chargers running back came after the Eagles thought they had landed Frank Gore with a contract to replace LeSean McCoy, but he bolted for the Indianapolis Colts instead.
Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com, Mathews has yet to sign his contract with the Eagles. If Philadelphia is set on going with Murray instead, the idea that Mathews sticks around seems extremely thin. He would be competing in a rotation that has Murray as the star and Darren Sproles as the backup. A contract with that much guaranteed money is not normally handed out to a running back who will become a backup.
So where could Mathews land if he departs from the Eagles? Certainly the Dallas Cowboys have to be an option as owner Jerry Jones feels very confident any running back can succeed with the team's strong offensive line. They will also likely look at CJ Spiller, Justin Forsett and a trade for Adrian Peterson as well.
The Oakland Raiders could be very interest. The team was hoping to win over Murray with a contract, but the running back has not even considered a trip out west. The Raiders have signed Roy Helu, but still need someone else. Mathews is comfortable in the West Coast and could easily be a strong fit for the Raiders. Time will certainly tell as Kelly keeps things interesting in Philly.
