Well, so much for the notion that Chip Kelly won't invest in running backs.
It looked that way when he traded LeSean McCoy. The thought was that he was saying he'd let his system do its magic, and he didn't need high-priced offensive players for it.
Well, now the Eagles are as invested at tailback as just about any team in the NFL. DeMarco Murray is expected to sign a $42 million contract with the Eagles. That seemed to take Ryan Mathews out of the mix, but no. Kelly just doubled down at tailback, signing Mathews too, to a three-year deal. The team announced the news.
That's a 27-year-old former first-round back with two 1,000-yard seasons for the San Diego Chargers coming off the bench. Oh, and the Eagles still have Darren Sproles at running back.
So Kelly's system might take care of things, but it'll take care of things with really, really talented running backs.
Is this a smart approach? Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports 1 said it was a three-year, $11.5 million deal for Mathews. That's an enormous amount to spend on a backup, especially behind an $8.4-million-per-year back who had 392 carries last season. And Sproles will need some touches as well. Perhaps he'll be used more from the slot.
The Eagles are protected in case of injuries at a position in which the attrition rate is high, and both Murray and Mathews have long injury histories. Still, it's a ton of resources to throw at a position that has been devalued in the NFL in recent years.
But, Kelly knows what he's doing. Right?
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