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.
![San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde](http://cdn.inquisitr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Carlos-Hyde-670x388.jpg)
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.
![San Francisco 49ers tackle Anthony Davis](http://cdn.inquisitr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Anthony-Davis-1-670x388.jpg)
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.
![San Francisco 49ers coach Chip Kelly](http://cdn.inquisitr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Chip-Kelly-670x388.jpg)
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.
[Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images]