As the end of the regular season approaches, it appears more and more as if the San Diego Chargers will allow running back Ryan Mathews to leave the team in free agency. Mathews has appeared in just 60 of a possible 80 games since being drafted by San Diego in the first round back in 2010.
Even if Mathews finishes the season strong, his time in San Diego seems to be limited.
"Ryan Mathews could run for 400 yards and six touchdowns over the next three games, carrying the Chargers into the postseason the way he did in 2013," wrote Kevin Acee of UT San Diego. "It doesn't matter."
Considering Mathews' injury history and the solid production the team has received from undrafted free agent Branden Oliver, it seems unlikely the Chargers would spend big money to re-sign him.
"Mathews doesn't have an injury history as much as a never-ending injury present," Acee wrote. "It's not worth penciling him in as your No. 1 back another year when you know you're going to need an eraser."
Mathews has rushed for 1,585 yards on a 4.5 yards per carry average with nine touchdowns since the start of last season. Despite the increased production, San Diego seems to want to turn to a more reliable option.
Teams such as the Indianapolis Colts and the Baltimore Ravens could possibly be interested in Mathews when free agency begins this offseason.
