(Patriots Wire) — The New England Patriots have a new receiver just two days after trading Brandin Cooks. They are signing former Buffalo Bills slot receiver Jordan Matthews, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Matthews, predominantly a slot receiver, lasted deep into free agency after a rough 2017 season when he had 25 receptions for 282 yards and one touchdown. He seemed to struggle with injuries and the Bills’ system after the Eagles traded him before the season.
In previous seasons, he finished well above his totals last season. He had a career year in 2015 when he finished with 85 receptions for 997 yards and eight touchdown catches. In 2016, he had 73 catches for 804 yards and three touchdown catches.
With Danny Amendola leaving in free agency and Julian Edelman returning from an ACL injury, the Patriots needed depth at the slot position. Matthews will join a receiver group which includes Edelman, Chris Hogan, Malcolm Mitchell, Kenny Britt, Cordarrelle Patterson, Phillip Dorsett, Matthew Slater, Riley McCarron and Cody Hollister.
