The Philadelphia Eagles have added to their already significant running back depth by signing Matt Jones, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Jones apparently beat out two other running backs who were also competing for the job, one of which was likely Terrance West.
Jones, 25, was a former third-round pick by the Washington Redskins in 2015. He spent two seasons in D.C. and showed some promise as a rookie. However, he lost his starting spot in his sophomore season after suffering a knee injury and was unable to win it back.
He racked up 950 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, as well as 377 receiving yards in 27 catches in his 20 games (seven starts) with Washington. He had arguably the best game of his career against the Eagles in 2016, where he rushed for a career-high 135 yards and a touchdown.
Jones was with the Indianapolis Colts last season, but he did not get any playing time whatsoever behind Frank Gore and Marlon Mack. He had just 14 yards on five rushes in the five games where he suited up. He was waived by the Colts earlier this month.
Jones now joins a crowded Eagles backfield that already features the likes of Jay Ajayi, Corey Clement, Wendell Smallwood, and Darren Sproles. Given that considerable depth, it seems unlikely that Jones can carve out more playing time than what he got with the Colts.
But with his considerable size (6-2, 240 lbs.), perhaps the Eagles can use Jones to make up for the physical running they lost with the departure of LeGarrette Blount, who left this offseason to sign with the Detroit Lions.
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