Just as a quick reminder, you may recall reading something here on Blasting News about whether Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews was on the trading block. He’s been the team’s best player at the position in recent seasons so it seemed somewhat inconceivable that general manager Howie Roseman would want to deal the three-year pro. Well, it didn’t take long for the team to find a partner. But the key here is that Doug Pederson’s club got something that the team needed in return – even if the price was a little on the steep side.
What’s the deal(s)?
Via ESPN Adam Schefter’s Twitter account, the Philadelphia Eagles acquired some much-needed help at cornerback. “Eagles acquire CB Ronald Darby from Buffalo for WR Jordan Matthews and a 2018 third-round pick.” The two-year defender enjoyed a solid rookie season in 2015 under head coach Rex Ryan. But like so many other players that were members of the Buffalo Bills in recent years, the new regime chose to make them available. You will recall that the club watched wideout Robert Woods sign with the Los Angeles Rams this offseason. And not long after the Matthews deal was announced, Schefter had some more news to share about head coach Sean McDermott’s team. “Bills have acquired CB E.J.
Gaines and Rams 2018 second round pick for WR Sammy Watkins and Bills 2018 sixth round pick.”
The moves reunites Woods and Watkins, giving new head coach Sean McVay more options for still-learning quarterback Jared Goff. But let’s not bury the lead when it comes to Pederson’s team.
Aiding a problem area
A year ago, the Philadelphia Eagles hired longtime coach and former sideline leader of the Detroit Lions Jim Schwartz to be their defensive coordinator.
The team made strides but was still looking for some help at cornerback. Nolan Carroll left the City of Brotherly Love for the NFC East rival Dallas Cowboys via free agency. Understandably, Roseman has brought in his share of former Bills’ players the last two years who played under Schwartz in 2014, when he was Buffalo’s DC.
Recently, the team signed cornerback/safety Corey Graham (released by the Bills this offseason) to aid their cause.
Meanwhile, Darby was a second-round pick in 2015. While he did not play under Schwartz, he should adapt very quickly to his new unit. The addition of the young defender along with the recent pickup of Graham is very good news for an Eagles’ team that appears to be on the rise.
