According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapport, the Philadelphia Eagles are signing former Colts running back, Matt Jones.
The #Eagles are signing FA RB Matt Jones, formerly of the #Colts, today, source says. He won a 3-RB workout on Tuesday.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 9, 2018
The Tuesday workout also included former Ravens running back Terrance West.
Jones, who stands at 6’2, 239 lbs, was released by the Colts after a 2017 season that saw him amass just five carries for fourteen yards, having spent a huge chunk of time on their practice squad. The drafting of two running backs by the Colts seemingly forced the once heralded prospect out of the equation.
Formerly of the Washington Redskins, Jones was a third round pick back in 2015, but slipped down the Washington depth chart as time moved on. This was partly due to a stunning 7 fumbles in just two seasons with the team.
Overall, he has played in 25 games (starting 7) and has tallied 248 carries for 964 yards and six scores. Jones also caught 27 passes for 377 yards during his time with the Colts and Redskins.
He now enters a very congested Eagles backfield. Headlined by Jay Ajayi, Corey Clement and Darren Sproles, Jones will be fighting the likes of Donnell Pumphrey, UDFA Josh Adams and Wendell Smallwood. There will be a chance to shine during training camp, but in a group packed with potential, it’s going to take something special for Jones to displace the likes of Smallwood or Pumphrey, just to have a shot at making the tail end of the roster.
However, Jones does fit what the Eagles do schematically. Without Blount, Ajayi’s role could be set to soar and with looming durability concerns, having a nice change of pace back or someone that can still provide that same burst between the tackles could be key. Clement already has his own place in the rotation, but if the Birds’ can find someone who can really step up in short-yardage situations, it ticks another minor need off the list.
Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
