Carolina Panthers Sign Tight End Jordan Matthews to Three-Year, $10.8 Million Deal
CHARLOTTE, NC – January 12, 2025
The Carolina Panthers have bolstered their offensive weapons by signing former NFL wide receiver-turned-tight end Jordan Matthews to a three-year, $10.8 million contract. The deal, which was confirmed today by team officials, adds another dynamic weapon to the Panthers’ offense as they look to build a competitive roster for the 2025 season and beyond.
This move represents a bold step for the Panthers as they continue to address their needs in the tight end position. Matthews’ transition to tight end has piqued the interest of NFL fans and analysts, as his combination of size, athleticism, and experience provides the Panthers with a versatile offensive weapon capable of making an impact in both the passing and run-blocking games.
A New Chapter in Jordan Matthews’ Career
Jordan Matthews was originally drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Over the course of his seven-year career, Matthews made a name for himself as a productive wide receiver, earning over 3,200 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns across stops with the Eagles, Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, and San Francisco 49ers.
However, Matthews’ career trajectory took a turn in recent seasons. After struggling to find consistent playing time in the wide receiver role, Matthews made a bold decision to transition to tight end. The shift came after he spent a considerable amount of time working on his body to add muscle mass and improve his blocking skills. Matthews, who stands at 6’3” and weighs around 220 pounds, certainly has the size to succeed at tight end, and his experience as a pass-catcher has only enhanced his potential in this new role.
“I’ve always prided myself on being a versatile player,” Matthews said in a press conference after the signing. “I’ve learned a lot about the game and my body in the last few years. Moving to tight end felt like the right move for me, and I’m excited to bring that versatility to a team like the Panthers. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute in a new way.”
The move has already started to pay dividends in terms of his development as a pass-catching tight end. Matthews showcased his abilities during workouts with several teams throughout the offseason, impressing coaches and scouts with his ability to run sharp routes and his reliable hands. He also proved himself capable of blocking in the run game, an important skill that tight ends need to excel in the NFL.
The Panthers, who were in need of a reliable pass-catching tight end, saw Matthews as a potential solution to their issues at the position. After the departure of veteran tight end Ian Thomas, who was not able to live up to expectations, the Panthers had an opening at tight end. Matthews, who had been working out with several teams, became a natural fit for the role.
Panthers’ Offensive Philosophy: Versatility and Flexibility
The signing of Jordan Matthews is reflective of the Panthers’ broader philosophy heading into the 2025 season. With head coach Frank Reich at the helm, the Panthers are prioritizing offensive flexibility and versatility, two traits that Matthews brings in spades. Matthews is known for his ability to stretch the field, even from the tight end position, thanks to his sharp route-running and ability to gain separation from defenders.
The Panthers have made a series of moves this offseason with the goal of improving their offensive personnel. The signing of Matthews fits into this larger picture of reshaping their offense. Reich, who took over as head coach in 2024, is known for his innovative offensive mind and his ability to maximize player potential. He has consistently placed a premium on players who can line up in multiple positions and execute a variety of roles in the offensive game plan.
Matthews brings this ability to the table. He is a player that can line up both inline as a traditional tight end and in the slot as a receiving weapon. This flexibility allows Reich to run a diverse offensive scheme, with Matthews potentially being used as a mismatch weapon against linebackers or safeties in the passing game.
“We see Jordan as a player who can do a lot of different things for us,” Reich explained. “He’s going to help us in the passing game, but he can also contribute in the run game. His ability to be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses will allow us to open up our offense in new ways. We’re excited to see how he fits into our system.”
With the Panthers working to develop their young quarterback (likely Bryce Young, who the team selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft), the addition of Matthews could be vital in providing a reliable target in the middle of the field. Matthews’ ability to create separation, paired with his strong hands, will help in the short and intermediate passing game, giving the quarterback a dependable option to target in crucial situations.
Panthers’ Tight End Depth Chart: Jordan Matthews’ Role
Before Matthews’ signing, the Panthers’ tight end depth chart was relatively thin. Veteran Tommy Tremble was the incumbent starter, but he had struggled with consistency in terms of both his blocking and receiving output. Second-year player Hayden Hurst had shown flashes of potential as a pass catcher but had yet to prove himself as a reliable every-down option at tight end.
With the signing of Matthews, the Panthers now have a deeper and more versatile tight end room. Matthews will likely compete with Tremble and Hurst for the starting spot, but his receiving prowess may give him an edge as a potential key contributor in the passing game. While he may not be as skilled as some of the elite receiving tight ends in the NFL, Matthews’ experience and unique skill set could make him an asset in the Panthers’ offense.
Reich, along with offensive coordinator Thomas Brown, will have the luxury of getting creative with how Matthews is used in their system. His ability to line up in a variety of spots—whether as a traditional tight end, an H-back, or even out wide—will make him a valuable weapon for the Panthers’ offensive attack.
A Fresh Start for Matthews
The signing represents a fresh start for Jordan Matthews. After facing challenges in his previous seasons, including struggles with injuries and finding a role, Matthews now finds himself in a situation where his skill set can be maximized. The Panthers have placed their faith in his potential to develop into a key contributor at the tight end position, and Matthews is eager to prove himself in this new role.
“This is a new beginning for me,” Matthews said. “I’ve learned so much over the years about what it takes to succeed at this level, and I’m more determined than ever to show what I can do. I know the tight end position is a big responsibility, but I’m ready for it.”
Contract Breakdown: Three Years, $10.8 Million
The financial terms of the deal show the Panthers’ commitment to Matthews as part of their long-term plans. The three-year, $10.8 million contract includes $5 million in guaranteed money, with performance-based incentives that could push the total value of the contract higher.
The deal is relatively modest in comparison to other high-end tight ends in the NFL but reflects Matthews’ current status as a player transitioning to a new role. The contract also aligns with the Panthers’ overall financial strategy of building a competitive roster without overcommitting to players who have yet to prove themselves in their new roles.
The guaranteed money ensures that Matthews will have financial security as he works to solidify his role on the team. If Matthews can fulfill the potential that the Panthers believe he has, he could see significant pay increases in the latter years of the contract.
Future Outlook for the Panthers
The Panthers are clearly in a position of transition. With a new head coach, a young quarterback, and revamped offensive personnel, the 2025 season will be one of significant growth for the team. The signing of Jordan Matthews is just one piece of the puzzle as the Panthers continue to focus on improving their offense.
While Matthews’ addition alone is not likely to transform the Panthers into immediate Super Bowl contenders, it does give them another weapon to help their young quarterback develop. Matthews, along with the Panthers’ existing talent, will provide the team with a solid foundation on which they can build.
Moving forward, the Panthers’ ability to maximize the talents of their players, including Matthews, will determine how quickly they can return to playoff contention. If Matthews proves to be the dynamic playmaker that the Panthers hope for, it will be a huge win for the franchise and a testament to the team’s faith in his potential.
In summary, the Carolina Panthers’ decision to sign Jordan Matthews to a three-year, $10.8 million contract is a forward-thinking move designed to improve their offensive depth and provide their young quarterback with additional weapons. Matthews’ experience, versatility, and potential as a pass-catching tight end make him a valuable addition to the team, and his fit in head coach Frank Reich’s offensive system could help take the Panthers’ offense to the next level. As the 2025 season draws closer, all eyes will be on Matthews and the role he plays in the Panthers’ quest for success.
