Former Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews is joining the San Francisco 49ers following his second stint in Philadelphia. He spoke about the team with reporters on Thursday shortly after being signed to a one-year deal.

"It has everything you'd want," Matthews said via NBC Sports Bay Area. "Obviously, the culture of the team, already. Young, vibrant, great quarterback in Jimmy (Garoppolo). As a receiver, you couldn't ask for a better situation."

Matthews told offensive quality control coach Miles Austin, who he was teammates with for one season in Philadelphia, that he feels four years younger just walking around the 49ers facility.

"Just walking through the building, you can tell there's a lot of excitement around the 49ers," he added.


Matthews is excited to join his new team, which holds a special place in his heart. He was a 49ers fan growing up but not because of any ties to the Bay Area. Matthews is the cousin of 49ers legend and Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice. Actually, his mother is Rice's first cousin, which makes Matthews Rice's first cousin once removed. But that is a mouthful, so ... cousin.

"I feel like I'm going to get asked this question (about being related to Rice) a million times while I'm here," Matthews said with a smile. "Yes, he's my cousin. My roots go back to Mississippi, that whole area."


Matthews returned to the Eagles last year after one season with the Buffalo Bills. He sounds confident he can thrive in Kyle Shanahan's offense.

"I feel like I do three things really well," Matthews said. "I get open, I catch the ball, and I'm going to block in the run game. I feel like whenever I've been put in the position to go make plays, I go out and make them. Last year, going back to Philly, there were opportunities out there that they gave me, and every single time I had an opportunity, I made sure I capitalized on it."


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