Patriots news: Jordan Matthews excited to join deep receiver group

Recently-signed New England Patriots wide receiver Jordan Matthews says he's excited to join a deep receiving corps which will breed a lot of competition.

The New England Patriots parted ways with their top two wide receivers from the 2017 NFL season. Fortunately, they managed to shore up some solid depth with a number of additions this offseason.

Among the notable signings was that of former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Jordan Matthews. According to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, he is looking forward to competing with the other wideouts for an integral role:

“I think it’s the best thing ever,” Matthews said in comments distributed by the team. “I think that’s what’s really going to breed greatness in all of us. At the end of the day, if you don’t have that type of competition then that’s the easiest way that guys start saying, ‘OK, this guy’s a rookie. This guy’s young. This guy has no production.’ But I feel like we have a group of a lot of guys that are not just competitors, but they have had production in the league so they’ve proven it. So, it’s not just, ‘OK, this guy has potential.’ No, there’s a lot of production, so I think that’s one thing to really be excited about. But also, there are a lot of great guys. I’ve spent some time around Julian [Edelman], talking to him, so I can’t wait to meet the rest of them.”

The departure of wide receivers Brandin Cooks and Danny Amendola has undoubtedly left a huge void in the passing game. Furthermore, the looming uncertainty of tight end Rob Gronkowski's future with the team has left New England scrambling for pass-catchers.

Aside from Matthews, the Patriots also acquired former Oakland Raiders utility man Cordarrelle Patterson to a deep receiving group that already boast Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, and Kenny Britt. However, it is clear that Matthews has embraced the opportunity to compete for a vital role in this pass-heavy offense.

There is good reason for him to be confident about his chances going into the offseason. Despite a couple of down seasons due to lingering injuries, Matthews had been one of the more promising, young wideouts in the league. That said, he could enjoy quite the resurgence should he be able to remain healthy.