Jordan Matthews Trade: Eagles send wide receiver and draft pick to Bills for Ronald Darby

WOW! The Philadelphia Eagles made a big, unexpected trade with the Buffalo Bills on Friday. Here’s a look at the deal:

Philadelphia Eagles receive: Ronald Darby

Buffalo Bills receive: Jordan Matthews, Philadelphia’s 2018 third round pick

Again: wow. This certainly came out of nowhere.

Then again, the writing was always on the wall in the Matthews situation. He was entering a contract year and it was very unlikely the Eagles could or would pay him after this season. Philadelphia decided to get value now by shipping him out.

In return for Matthews, the Eagles get some desperately needed help at cornerback. Darby has started 29 career games for the Bills after being selected by Buffalo in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He’s recorded two interceptions and 33 passes defensed in that span.

Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz was with Buffalo the season before the Bills drafted Darby. Worth nothing that that connection may have played a factor in the Eagles acquiring Darby. Philadelphia hasn’t been hesitant to give Schwartz the players he wants.

This is obviously a major deal with huge implications for the Eagles. More analysis and reaction coming soon - stay tuned here to Bleeding Green Nation!