The Patriots have signed wide receiver Jordan Matthews to a one year deal. Matthews had met with a handful of teams in recent weeks but opted to sign with the Patriots.

Matthews will compete with Kenny Britt, Phillip Dorsett and Malcolm Mitchell for the third receiver spot. The former Eagles and Bills receiver put up big numbers in his first two seasons in the NFL. In 2015, Matthews caught 85 passes for 997 yards and 8 touchdowns. He has produced in the past and is more than capable of putting up good numbers in New England if he stays healthy.

Matthews is a terrific route runner who understands coverage and settle into dead spots. He has strong hands and a wide catch radius. Matthews is a good athlete who can separate after the catch but also go up and get it one on one.

Bill Belichick has done a great job of letting free agency come to him this off-season. Despite the defections of several key contributors, Belichick has stayed the course and has added players that fit what the team does on both sides of the ball.

Despite having issues with knee, ankle and thumb injuries in the past, taking a flyer on a player like Matthews makes sense for the Patriots. If he is healthy, Matthews could be a difference maker in what should once again be a potent Patriots offense.