Rishard Matthews went from forgotten teammate to one of the leading receivers on the Miami Dolphins in 2015. After requesting a trade following the additions of Greg Jennings and Kenny Stills, Matthews remained on the team and ended up putting together a standout 2015 season. Now he enters free agency in search of a big contract and the Dolphins might not be able to afford to let him go.
According to the Palm Beach Post, there is a good chance that Matthews returns to the Dolphins, but his contract demands will make the difference. If Matthews were to return to the Dolphins, he would be the No.3 receiver. Jarvis Landry has cemented himself as the top option while DeVante Parker is being groomed as his No.2. However, with other changes potentially coming to the roster, bringing back Matthews might be the best thing for the Dolphins if they want quality depth at the position. Matthews has not ruled out a return to Miami, but stressed that he will look at his options first.
"I mean, I'm not worried about that right now," Matthews said, via ESPN.com. "I'm starting my training [Tuesday]. I'm going to train my a** off this offseason and just come prepared for next year wherever it is. Just where I fit in with the offense, where I fit in with the organization. That's the biggest thing really. Wherever it is, I'm going to go compete and try to get on the field right away."
The Dolphins should make Matthews a priority given the seasons that both Jennings and Stills had. Jennings has one more year on his contract and is set to be a $5.5 million cap hit. He put up just 19 catches for 208 yards. Stills is signed through 2017. He has a more manageable contract, but he is coming off the worst season of his career after having just 27 catches for 440 yards. Of the two players, Jennings is the most likely to get released. But the downfall of Stills means that Matthew has a real shot at coming back to Miami and jumping him on the depth chart.
The Dolphins have a lot of decisions to make as they try to put the best offensive weapons around Ryan Tannehill. While Jennings is no longer that type of player, Jordan Cameron might not be either. The Dolphins signed the tight end with hopes that he would regain his Pro Bowl form. Instead, Cameron put up 35 catches for just 386 yards. Given his cap hit, ESPN.com believes he could be on the way out. Lamar Miller is also approaching free agency. The Dolphins must decide whether they should re-sign Miller or move on with Jay Ajayi. The offseason will be busy for the franchise.