Jim McBride of the Boston Globe reports that New England Patriots wide receiver Jordan Matthews has been released following what is called a “significant” hamstring injury expected to sideline him for some time.
Matthews signed a one-year contract with the Patriots in the 2018 offseason. He flashed plenty of promise when getting drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014, but regressions started once quarterback Carson Wentz went under center two years later.Following the conclusion of the 2016 season, he was traded to the Buffalo Bills for the final year of his rookie contract. It’s rather interesting that both of Mathews’ best seasons, his rookie and second season, were under Chip Kelly. Kelly would be fired at the conclusion of the 2015 season and wind up coaching the San Francisco 49ers for a year.
Given that Matthews has shown a lot of promise early in his career, I know some might wonder if the 49ers want to make a play for him. That’s probably, definitely, not happening. Matthews hasn’t put together a good season in an offense that isn’t Chip Kelly’s and the 49ers have far too much young wide receiver talent they’ve invested draft picks into. Bringing Matthews in bumps someone off that list or at the very least, stunts their growth. Not to mention we don’t know the time table on how long he’s going to be out with this hamstring injury.