Ryan Mathews' NFL trip hasn't been exactly long or winding, but it has been strange and, at times, seemingly unfair.
His trying football journey and the curious game of running back musical chairs playing itself out in the NFL free agency period is reportedly not yet done, as Mathews could potentially be bound for the cozy confines of the Oakland Coliseum and a Raiders uniform after initially agreeing in principle to a deal with the Eagles.
According to a report from Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, the Raiders "have always been high" on Mathews and could be a name to watch should his deal with Philly fall through, which, according to reports of the mutual interest between DeMarco Murray - a Raiders free agent running back target - and Philly, may well be on the verge of happening.
A first-round talent nabbed by the San Diego Chargers in the 2010 NFL Draft and immediately handed a leading role in the backfield, Mathews was never able to remain healthy enough to fully seize hold of the opportunity. After five mostly middling and injury-plagued seasons in San Diego, Mathews was set to turn the page and join Philadelphia via free agency.
He and the Eagles agreed to a handshake deal Wednesday, according to a report from ESPN.
Only now, with former Cowboys running back and last season's leading rusher in the NFL, Murray reportedly in Philly and perhaps set to sign with the team, Mathews, also in Philadelphia, patiently - presumably - awaits the determination of his NFL fate.
Really, it all could work out for Mathews and the Raiders in the end. Yes, the 27-year-old Mathews is injury-prone, but he's also a very talented player that has posted two seasons with over 1,000-yards rushing. For his career, he's averaged a healthy 4.4 yards per carry. He's also a talented pass-catcher, posting seasons of 22, 50, 39 and 26 receptions.
In Oakland, he'd be part of a rotation with Latavius Murray, perhaps limiting the wear and tear on his body and keeping him healthier and fresher for the season's duration.
He also won't be as costly as the former Dallas back, though the Raiders and GM Reggie McKenzie have ample cash to spend, so that's not really a major concern.
Still, Mathews could prove the perfect complement to Murray in Oakland. He won't be a workhorse, but that may be the best situation for both the brittle back and the running game-focused Raiders.
