The Bills have announced their second major trade of the day, as they’ve acquired wide receiver Jordan Matthews and a 2018 third-round pick from the Eagles in exchange for cornerback Ronald Darby.
[RELATED: Bills Trade Sammy Watkins To Rams]
Matthews, 26, will presumably step into the void left by Sammy Watkins, whom Buffalo shipped to the Rams earlier today. However, Matthews isn’t the outside receiver that is Watkins, as Matthews has spent the majority of his career in the slot. In fact, he’s a relatively similar player to veteran pass-catcher Anquan Boldin, whom the Bills also now employ. Matthews has been a productive offensive weapon through his three-year career, averaging 75 receptions, nearly 900 yards, and six touchdowns per season.
Of course, Matthews’ contract status also plays a role in this trade, and was likely a key factor in the Eagles trading him away. Matthews is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and now that Philadelphia has Alshon Jeffery, Torrey Smith, Nelson Agholor, and Mack Hollins in tow, the club had made no effort towards extending Matthews’ contract. Buffalo, on the other hand, should be expected to work towards a multi-year agreement with Matthews, as the franchise tag is too expensive for a slot receiver.
By dealing Matthews, the Eagles have finally acquired a young, experienced cornerback, the defensive item their roster has been craving most. Philadelphia ranked second in DVOA against the pass in 2016, but that was largely due to its excellent pass rush. While the Eagles added Sidney Jones in the second round of the draft, he may not be ready to play immediately as he returns from injury. Before Darby came aboard, Philadelphia’s top defensive back options included a lackluster cast of Patrick Robinson, Ron Brooks, Jalen Mills, and Rasul Douglas.
The Bills are instituting a new defensive scheme under head coach Sean McDermott, so it’s possible Buffalo didn’t view Darby as a fit. But the former second-round pick has been productive through two NFL campaigns, although his Pro Football Focus graded tumbled from 85.9 to 62.7 (68th among corners) in 2016. Darby is eminently affordable, as he’s under team control for two more seasons with base salaries hovering around $1MM each year.
Through each of their trades executed today, the Bills have acquired a vast amount of 2018 draft pick capital. Buffalo already owned two first-round picks next year as a result of the Patrick Mahomes draft day deal, and now has received an additional second- and third-round selection for next season.
Glad to see Matthews gone.
Carolina messed up letting Beane go. He’s doing things in Buffalo
Watkins > Matthews Darby > Gaines looks like 6-0 division record for the pats
Let’s just hope that this former Bills CB is better than the last Bills CB that the Eagles got
Last 2, if ya include Brooks with McKelvin.
And also better than the last promising young Bill defensive player aquired for an offensive weapon, although Kiko looked better in Miami last year.
Unless Darby really wasn’t going to fit in Buffalo, I don’t see how the trade makes sense for them. Matthews was likely to hit free agency anyway (so the Bills could’ve at least had a shot of offering him a contract then) and they gave up a decent corner even if his PFF grade was poor last year. But I guess Buffalo is really valuing those 2018 picks so this makes some sense in the long run if they properly rebuild.
Yeah I’m with you. Of the two deals today, Buffalo ended up with a WR not as good as the one they traded and a worse corner than they had. They did get good draft stock though
It’s called tanking like the Colts did before they got Luck all the Draft picks we are going to have next season I truly feel this is a real re-build
I’m sure the Bills players are excited to know that they are tanking for the future
This is the same thing KC is doing to Alex Smith. Giving him nothing so he can disappear. Tyrod is going to be hurting for downfield help. The Bills are tanking. They are only setting themselves up for next years offseason. Sad because Shady and Tyrod only have so much left. Tyrod is young but gets banged. This is a bye year for the Bills.
Agreed! I’m a huge Bills fan but I think we can agree Tyrod never throws the ball anyway so it’s not like it will hurt McCoy
Yes so since your quarterback doesn’t pass much, let’s give him inferior passing options so defenses can key in even more on your dominant running game
Matthews and a 3rd? SMH…