The Philadelphia Eagles have competition brewing outside of the quarterback position. The team is pushing a new era with the Eagles and everyone wants to jump to the top of the depth chart. After key departures of players like LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin within the last year, there are several top spots on the depth chart up for grabs which could cause some players to fall behind. Are guys like Riley Cooper and Ryan Mathews on the chopping block?
According to Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com, Cooper is not guaranteed anything with the Eagles, something head coach Chip Kelly has proven to be true with trades and releases of players like Evan Mathis and Brandon Boykin. With players like Jordan Matthews, Nelson Agholor and Josh Huff expected to get the nods as starters, Cooper is fighting for his place with the team as the Eagles are not afraid to move players that are not producing up to their standard.
Cooper is coming off a very underwhelming season with players waiting to steal his spotlight. Kelly has faith in Cooper which could be the deciding factor of him staying or going, but the slightest sign of struggle could push the receiver out the door. Contractually speaking, Cooper is not likely to get released, but several would easily make a move for a trade if injuries become an issue. Brandon Lee Gowton reported on BleedingGreenNation.com that Cooper will be on the 53-man roster, but his role could be much smaller, paving the way for players like Agholor and Huff to make moves.
Mathews is also facing questions about his future. The running back signed with the Eagles prior to the arrival of DeMarco Murray. He opted to remain in Philadelphia even though he would no longer be the starting running back. Instead, Mathews will be competing with Darren Sproles for snaps on the field. According to CSNPhilly.com, the Eagles do not want Murray carrying the same heavy workload he did with the Cowboys last season which could get Mathews on the field more than expected.
There could easily be trade interest around Mathews for teams dealing with running back injuries. Already this season one team has suffered a devastating blow as Arian Foster prepares to hit injured reserve for the Houston Texans. They could easily try and pry Mathews out of Philadelphia. However, the lack of depth the Eagles carry at the position could end any talks of a potential move. Instead, Mathews is being predicted to have a breakout season behind Murray. The running back admits he is excited for the tandem.
"I've always ran in a committee," Mathews said, via NJ Advance Media. "It's going to be fun. Everyone's going to be fresh. It's going to be hard, but I think it's going to be a fun rotation. DeMarco, Sproles, me. We have a great line ... It's going to be fun."
