Five Eagles Who Will Make the Roster in 2014

Dec 22, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Casey Matthews (50) watches Chicago Bears quarterback Josh McCown (12) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Bears 54-11. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

4) Casey Matthews, Philadelphia Eagles Inside Linebacker

Call me crazy, but I think Chip Kelly loves Casey Matthews. The duo have a storied history, with Matthews captaining the 2011 Oregon defense that fell just short of stopping then-Auburn quarterback Cam Newton to win their first national championship in school history. Moving forward three calendar years, the formerly long-haired linebacker is entering his fourth season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Before Eagles fans jump down my throat, it’s time to let go of any remaining anger or confusion that remains from Matthews being put in a position to fail by former coach Andy Reid as a rookie. A fourth round pick should not be handed a job in a new league due to family lineage and be expected to make the Pro Bowl. What the Eagles have in Casey Matthews is a cheap, reliable role player who has helped the team more than he hurt it in the past two seasons. Matthews has developed a knack for special teams, where it was widely considered that he would have to make an impact to remain an Eagle following his disappointing rookie campaign. It makes absolute sense to keep Matthews for three reasons: He’s young, he’s familiar with the system and he’s in a contract year. If he doesn’t show any progress after this season, the worst that happens is that the Eagles got four years out of a fourth round pick. There are much worse things that could happen. (see: Jarrett, Jaiquawn, second round pick of the Eagles in 2010)