Skip to content
Eagles
Link copied to clipboard

Eagles sign Jordan Matthews, place Mike Wallace on injured reserve

Matthews, 26, played the first three seasons of his career in Philadelphia before he was traded last August for Ronald Darby.

Jordan Matthews (left) is an Eagle again.
Jordan Matthews (left) is an Eagle again.Read moreYONG KIM / Staff Photographer

The Eagles signed Jordan Matthews on Wednesday, one day after the veteran receiver visited the NovaCare Complex, giving them a veteran wide receiver familiar with the playbook and the locker room. They placed Mike Wallace on injured reserve to make room for Matthews.

Matthews, 26, played the first three seasons of his career in Philadelphia before he was traded last August in a deal for Ronald Darby. After an injury-riddled season in Buffalo, Matthews signed with New England during the offseason. The Patriots released him after a hamstring injury. Matthews was the Eagles' top receiver in 2015 and 2016 and developed a close relationship with quarterback Carson Wentz. He totaled 225 catches for for 2,673 yards and 19 touchdowns with the Eagles, including 85 catches for 997 yards and eight touchdowns in 2015.

Nelson Agholor, Shelton Gibson, and Kamar Aiken are the only other healthy receivers on the roster, so the Eagles needed someone who can come in and who knows the offensive system. He was also popular in the locker room. Matthews is expected to contribute Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. He is viewed as a slot receiver, so his presence could affect how Nelson Agholor is used.

Wallace fractured his right fibula Sunday. The Eagles didn't initially plan to place him on injured reserve, but Wallace underwent surgery Tuesday.