Patriots release WR Jordan Matthews -- does this clear the way for Eric Decker?

FOXBOROUGH — The Patriots’ wide receiving corps continues to thin — they released Jordan Matthews on Wednesday, according to a source.

Mathews, who sustained a hamstring injury a few days into camp, was signed as a free agent this past spring. The 6-foot-3, 212-pounder, who has played four years in the league, has 250 catches for 2,955 yards and 20 touchdowns in his three years with the Eagles and one with the Bills.

BSJ analysis: What does this mean for the Patriots going forward?

READ MORE — Analysis: Eric Decker is not just a vet WR looking for one last Hail Mary with Patriots


The Vandy product was thought to be one of a few possible short-term replacements in the slot for Julian Edelman, who will be sidelined for the first four games of the 2018 season because of a PED violation. Moving forward, that role could fall to the likes of a few different players, including Phillip Dorsett — more of a traditional boundary guy, he’s seen some time in the slot this summer — as well as tight end Jacob Hollister, who has flashed positively on a number of occasions in the passing game. That’s in addition to the traditional skill positions stars like Rob Gronkowski and James White, who will also see their roles expand with Edelman on the shelf.

One other note worth mentioning: this could increase the likelihood New England makes a play for veteran receiver Eric Decker. Decker has been connected on multiple occasions with the Patriots for the last month or so. In June, he expressed an interest in signing with the Patriots, and he was in for a workout earlier this week. For more on the possibility of Decker in New England, check out this piece BSJ did on his potential role with the Patriots here.