Patriots gridiron news: Jordan Matthews ‘excited’ to join new team
After taking a few days to let it all sink in, Jordan Matthews says the opportunity to play for the New England Patriots is the “ultimate honor.”
Just days after trading Brandin Cooks to the Los Angeles Rams, the New England Patriots inked former Buffalo Bills slot receiver Jordan Matthews to a one-year deal.
Matthews by far is not the deep threat option Cooks is, but he is more of a possession receiver when healthy. While his brief stint with the Bills is nothing to write home about, the previous seasons he spent with the Philadelphia Eagles displayed a more productive receiver.
Through his three years in Philadelphia, the 25-year-old Matthews averaged over 65 receptions and over 800 yards. That is the receiver the Patriots are hoping re-emerges catching the ball from Tom Brady. At 6-foot-3, 212 pounds, he could give the team the type of production Brandon LaFell gave them back in 2014.
With the receiving depth the team has despite losing Danny Amendola and trading Cooks, Jordan Matthews will likely have to fight for a roster spot and the chance to prove himself as the receiver he was with the Eagles.
He is certainly excited for the opportunity to play in New England.
More from Chowder and Champions
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
- Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win
"“I know I’m late but I wanted to take the first couple of days to really reflect on how far the Lord has brought me and what He’s calling me to do in New England,” Matthews said via Twitter. “The opportunity to play for the Patriots is the ultimate honor and I’m excited to get to work with the guys! LETS GO!!”"
In signing with the Patriots, Matthews joins a receiving group of Julian Edelman, Malcolm Mitchell, Kenny Britt, Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, Cordarrelle Patterson, Cody Hollister and Riley McCarron.
Tom Brady and Julian Edelman doing their thing
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady didn’t seem too upset with the trade of Brandin Cooks.
Why?
Well, he knows he is getting his most reliable wide receiver back in 2018.
According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, Brady and Julian Edelman have reportedly worked out together in the Empower Field House at Gillette Stadium last Wednesday. Edelman, who missed the entire 2017 campaign due to a torn ACL, is working hard to get back on the field as strong as ever.
Next: New England Patriots: The Jordan Matthews signing doesn’t fix the Pats problem
All reports and social media posts indicate that the recovery is on track. With the Patriots’ offseason program due to begin next Monday, it will be both great and interesting to see just how much Julian Edelman has progressed.