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Buffalo Bills wide receiver Jordan Matthews said "two really bad diagnoses" by the Philadelphia Eagles' team doctors led to lingering knee and ankle problems.

On Wednesday, Darin Gantt of Pro Football Talk passed along comments the impending free agent made on SiriusXM NFL Radio about finally getting back to full strength:

"But what's crazy was when they ended up doing my surgery on my knee, they actually told me that, 'Man, it's a good thing that you didn't play more games, you didn't practice more, because you needed to come here and get this procedure done as soon as possible.' So, if anything, it was a blessing in disguise. I don't regret any of the times that happen. I think it honestly has just made me a stronger person, it's going to make me a better player."

The Bills acquired Matthews and a third-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft from the Eagles last August in exchange for cornerback Ronald Darby.

While Darby established himself as a borderline No. 1 corner in Philly, grading out as Pro Football Focus' 23rd-best CB in the NFL, Matthews struggled in Buffalo.

The 25-year-old Vanderbilt product racked up just 25 catches for 282 yards and one touchdown across 10 appearances for the Bills. He missed a month in the middle of the season due to thumb surgery, and then his season came to a premature end in December due to the continued knee issues.

While the drop in production and health concerns have lowered his stock as he prepares to hit the open market, he told SiriusXM NFL Radio he's still confident in his ability, per Charean Williams of PFT.

"I had two surgeries this offseason on my ankle and knee," Matthews said. "I think people will go back to my tape with the Eagles and know that I was trending as a No. 1 receiver before all the injuries."

Matthews will join Sammy Watkins, Eric Decker, Mike Wallace, Paul Richardson and Marqise Lee among a solid group of free-agent wideouts. Since teams may be hesitant to give him a long-term deal until he can prove he's healthy, he could be forced to accept a short-term contract.