When Jordan Matthews started his NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles, he wore No. 81. He did so for three seasons before switching to No. 87 -- his number in college -- when he joined the Buffalo Bills in 2017.
He was a digit off his first NFL number in a cup of coffee with the New England Patriots and a return to the Eagles last season, but that wasn't the same.
Now, as a member of the 49ers, he obviously won't be wearing his beloved 87, as the organization retired it in honor of Dwight Clark. So Matthews wanted No. 81 back and was willing to put a price on it ... literally.
The wide receiver told KNBR's Greg Papa on Wednesday getting his desired number from then-49ers' No. 81 Trent Taylor cost him a pretty penny:
Presumably a very pretty penny.
Matthews wouldn't even tell the figure.
San Francisco 49ers
"I really wanted 81, but this guy, this 5-foot-9 beast, has it," Matthews added. "I don't want to fight him for it."
Luckily for Matthews, it appeared the money wasn't the only factor. Taylor really wanted the No. 15 jersey.
"He wants to go to 15," Matthews said. "He looks way better in 15. But I guarantee you, this little swindler is going to make me still pay for it."
Matthews said to keep an eye on Taylor's girlfriend's left hand in the future. It might cost Taylor an arm and a leg, and Matthews quipped his teammate couldn't afford that without their deal.
He joked: "Just know if you see his girlfriend with a nice wedding ring, just know ... "
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Matthews said the transaction cost him so much that he should be considered as part of this possible wedding.
Whatever helps.