Jamar Chaney to Replace Casey Matthews at MLB for Philadelphia Eagles

In a not entirely unexpected move, the Philadelphia Eagles could move rising star Jamar Chaney back to middle linebacker, replacing this year's fourth-round pick Casey Matthews, reports Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Amid Matthews' patchy performances, Chaney will reportedly move inside from the strong side position and resume the spot he commanded for two games last season in the absence of Stewart Bradley. 

The switch would come as part of a complete reshuffle of the linebackers, whose play has been highly scrutinized; Matthews, in particular. He'd move to the weak side, and Moise Fokou will swap over to the strong side vacated by Chaney.

The former seventh-round pick from Mississippi State first stepped into the role after an injury to Bradley in Week 15 last year in the 'Miracle at the New Meadowlands' victory over the New York Giants. Racking up 16 total tackles and a vital forced fumble, Chaney was subsequently praised by NFL Network's Brian Baldinger as already playing at the level of some of the most talented middle linebackers in the game.

Coming into this season, it was widely assumed that Chaney would continue in that position but head coach Andy Reid and new defensive coordinator Juan Castillo installed Matthews, brother of Packers outside linebacker Clay, as the starter.

This would not a damning indictment of Matthews as a player—the Eagles have experienced starter Akeem Jordan waiting on the bench and would surely have dropped Matthews if they didn't believe in him. Moreover, it appears that this move is an attempt to get the best out of Chaney and minimize Matthews' relative inexperience and allow him to get snaps at a more comfortable position.

Update: Jamar Chaney and Casey Matthews have both separately confirmed the switch today.