The Eagles signed former Washington Redskins and Indianapolis Colts running back Matt Jones to a two-year contract on Wednesday, taking a chance on a rusher with starting experience who can add size to the Eagles' backfield while competing for a roster spot. Wide receiver Dom Williams was waived in a corresponding move.
Jones, 25, was a 2015 third-round pick out of Florida. He spent last season with the Colts, playing five games while shuffling between their practice squad and active roster. He opened the 2016 season as Washington's starting running back, averaging 4.6 yards per carry and rushing for 460 yards in seven games before injuring his knee and losing his starting job. As a rookie in 2015, Jones ran for 490 yards and averaged 3.4 yards per carry, and also caught 19 passes for 304 yards. His problem was fumbling; Jones fumbled eight times during his first two seasons, losing six of them.
At 6-foot-2 and 239 pounds, Jones becomes the biggest running back on the Eagles roster. He will join a crowded running-back depth chart that has Jay Ajayi, Darren Sproles, and Corey Clement in the top three. Wendell Smallwood and Donnel Pumphrey are also trying to secure jobs.
