Eagles acquire CB Ronald Darby from Buffalo in exchange for WR Jordan Matthews and 3rd round pick
11 August 2017 Eagles News
In shocking news, the Philadelphia Eagles have parted ways with WR Jordan Matthews, a third round pick in 2018, for CB Ronald Derby’s services.
Roster Move: #Eagles acquire CB Ronald Darby from Buffalo in exchange for WR Jordan Matthews and a 2018 3rd-round pick. pic.twitter.com/ESIyOhkAwo
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) August 11, 2017
Ronald Darby was selected with the No. 50 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft out of Florida State,and was called upon to take over as the Buffalo Bills’ No. 1 cornerback this season, with Stephon Gilmore off to the New England Patriots. Darby recorded two interceptions for the Bills as a rookie, starting 14 games in 2016, with 69 tackles and 12 passes defended. He’ll instantly become the Eagles starter across from Jalen Mills.
After this move, here are the Eagles 2018 draft picks:
1st
4th
4th (from Vikings for Sam Bradford)
4th (from Patriots for Eric Rowe, can be elevated to a 3rd round pick)
5th
6th
7th
With the recent struggles at cornerback this off season, the Eagles knew they had to do something to strengthen the position going into the year. Patrick Robinson, seems to be a swing and a miss, with third-round selection Rasul Douglas still a work in progress at the position.
Jordan Matthews seemed like he was on the trading block for the last couple of months, but the move has now become a reality for the Birds. When the Eagles did not offer Matthews a new deal, the writing was on the wall, but no one was quite sure if they would move on from Jordan Matthews before the start of the season. With potential play makers to fill in as the Birds third receiver, the Eagles must feel confident in what they have to replace Jordan Matthews. Nelson Agholor, Mack Hollins, and Marcus Johnson should see more snaps with JMatt gone.
Consider this a surprise move from Philadelphia, but in the same breath, a much needed move to strengthen the defense.