The Miami Dolphins made a lot of offensive upgrades during free agency and the NFL Draft which was likely very pleasing to Ryan Tannehill, but was not a thrill to other players. The Dolphins made plenty of moves at the wide receiver position, trading for Kenny Stills, adding Jordan Cameron and Greg Jennings while also drafting DeVante Parker in the first round. That should really push Tannehill's production, but also anger the remaining receivers on the roster.
According to the Miami Herald's Adam Beasley, Rishard Matthews is demanding a trade from the Dolphins. The wide receiver is currently holding out from voluntary workouts in hopes of forcing Miami's hand into giving him a trade. Matthews hinted at the move on Twitter saying, "It's funny how people claim to want to do right by you. In the end it's all talk."
At the start of the offseason when Miami released players like Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson, Matthews was considering one of the players capable of stepping up with the added responsibility. The former seventh round draft pick in 2012 has yet to see a ton of playing time, but has shown flashes of talent. In 2013, he put up 120 yards off 11 catches for two touchdowns in a Week 10 game against Tampa Bay. Now, Matthews wants a trade out of the crowded roster group.
According to the Herald, Jennings appeared to be the player on the chopping block for the Dolphins, not Matthews. Miami signed the veteran prior to the NFL Draft to a two-year contract that includes $3 million in guaranteed money. However, that does not guarantee his spot on the field. Jennings is competing up against a lot of youth in South Beach. Jarvis Landry headlines the group while Parker is expected to be an immediate starter. Jennings has to step up and prove he is still a threat on the field or else he might not see Week 1.
The goal for the Dolphins is to build around Tannehill. General manager Mike Tannenbaum told ESPN.com that they view the quarterback as a franchise player with the intentions of signing him to a long-term contract. The Dolphins picked up Tannehill's fifth-year option which affords the team some flexibility should the quarterback not improve this year. The pressure is on. With an upgraded wide receiver group, Tannehill is out of excuses.