The Miami Dolphins may have some interest in Evan Mathis on the free agent market after he was released by the Eagles and this comes as the team is dealing with an injury to DeVante Parker in training camp, which could lead to Rishard Matthews sticking around, while the presence of Parker and Jay Ajayi could lead to trades in the future with Lamar Miller and Matthews.
The Dolphins were one of the teams reportedly interested in trading for Mathis when the Eagles let the lineman look for trades, but the two sides could not agree on a deal. According to Pro Football Talk, the Dolphins, Rams, Patriots, Giants and Raiders could be options for Mathis and this comes after he had a contract dispute with the Eagles. Mathis was set to get $5.5 million this year and he was looking for a raise after signing a five year deal for $25 million.
Mathis has been rated as one of the best linemen in the league over the past two years by Pro Football Focus and he likely will not be on the market for long. The 33-year-old guard could really help improve the Dolphins rushing attack, as the team has already added Jay Ajayi behind Lamar Miller. The team is hoping for an improved rushing game this season, as the team has a deep roster of wideouts and Ryan Tannehill coming off of his best season in the pros.
The Dolphins were not consistent enough rushing the ball last season and this year they could be improved in that phase of the game. Lamar Miller is coming in as the starter and Ajayi will likely be his backup with Damien Williams, Mike Gillislee, Ajayi and LaMichael James on the roster. Miller has been solid for the Dolphins and had his first 1000 yard season last year, but moving forward he could be a trade target in the future.
The team is not looking to deal Miller, but according to the Miami Herald, teams could inquire about the running back since he is coming into the final year of his contract. Miller is on an affordable $2.58 million contract signed in 2012, but he could be looking for a big pay bump and if Ajayi has a strong rookie start this year, Miller could be a target for teams. Rishard Matthews also could be traded at some point, as he reportedly requested his trade or release from the team earlier in the off-season.
Trading or cutting Matthews likely is on the back burner at least for now, as rookie DeVante Parker is dealing with a foot issue and had surgery. Armando Salguero reported that Matthews asked for his trade or release back in the winter and clearly that did not happen and now Matthews could have a chance to stick around if he plays well while Parker is healing. Last season Matthews had a down year compared to his 12013 performance when he put up a career best 41 catches for 448 yards and two touchdowns. Last season Mathews had just 12 catches in 14 games after the emergence of Jarvis Landry.
