NFL Rumors: Philadelphia Eagles Trading Ryan Mathews To San Francisco 49ers

NFL rumors are swirling around Ryan Mathews. With a slew of college running backs joining the professional ranks at the end of the month, the 28-year-old might be available. The Philadelphia Eagles are said to be heavily interested in drafting Ohio State Buckeyes star Ezekiel Elliott, and the team has already made it known earlier in the year that Mathews can be had for the right price. According to Niners Nation, the San Francisco 49ers are interested in a trade.

Ezekiel Elliott is arguably the best running back available in the upcoming NFL Draft, which means that he more than likely will be selected in the first round. That’s usually where teams try to fill their biggest need. The three biggest needs for the Philadelphia Eagles are offensive line, defensive end, and corner back. While running back is not high on their priority list, whenever general managers in the National Football League have a chance to get someone as talented as Elliott, they usually pull the trigger.

Ryan Mathews is a solid running back in the NFL. It’s just that the Philadelphia Eagles are not fully committed to him because he was signed by Chip Kelly, who was fired after the end of last season. Management has gotten rid of some of the players that he acquired last summer. Byron Maxwell and Kiko Alonzo were traded to the Miami Dolphins. DeMarco Murray was traded to the Tennessee Titans.

Chip Kelly rebounded pretty well after being fired by the Philadelphia Eagles. He was quickly hired by the San Francisco 49ers. They’re a team that is on the down swing, but there’s some talented players on the roster. If Kelly can get them to buy into his system, then there’s a chance things can turn around rather quickly in northern California.

Though he’s no longer in charge of personnel, Chip Kelly will have some say with the front office. It would not be a surprise if he were to ask general manager Trent Baalke to trade for Ryan Mathews. It would be nice for Kelly to have guys in the locker room who are already familiar with his system. It makes it easier to teach the other guys. By the time the season starts, expect several former Oregon Ducks and Philadelphia Eagles players on the San Francisco 49ers roster.

While Carlos Hyde showed a lot of potential on the field last season, running back is a position of concern for the San Francisco 49ers. Durability is a concern for the former Ohio State Buckeyes star. The Niners were going to add running backs even if Hyde stayed injury free last season. Chip Kelly likes to run a lot of plays, so a platoon at the position is a must. Ryan Mathews has already proven that he can be a starting running back in the NFL.

Anthony Davis is trying to come out of retirement, and he might be utilized to help the San Francisco 49ers acquire Ryan Mathews. The offensive tackle is having some issues with Trent Baalke, so a new home in the NFL might be needed. The fact that the Philadelphia Eagles desperately needs to upgrade their offensive line bodes well for the Niners. The two sides would be helping one another out in one of those rare trades that helps out both teams equally.

Ryan Mathews isn’t wanted by the Philadelphia Eagles. The San Francisco 49ers need another running back. Seems like a perfect marriage on paper. Of course, NFL games are played on the field. The Niners might also opt to go with someone younger and less expensive in the draft.

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