The Miami Dolphins may look at Evan Mathis as a free agent option heading into training camp and this comes as the team has Josh Freeman battling for a roster spot behind Matt Moore and he is battling with McLeod Bethel-Thompson for the third string job and this comes as the team is ready to start Jarvis Landry and Lamar Miller for Ryan Tannehill on offense.
The Dolphins reportedly had interest in Mathis when he was with the Philadelphia Eagles, but the two sides did not come close to making a trade. Mathis was later released and now he could be an option for the Dolphins. According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Dolphins are "among the teams" interested in signing Mathis and he could be a fit for the team at guard heading into training camp. The Dolphins do not want to get into a "bidding war" for Mathis and right now heading into camp he has interest from the Vikings, Rams and Giants.
Mathis was set to make around $5 million with the Eagles and that is likely what he will be looking for now. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports that the players are "concerned" about the guard situation, as the offensive line could be shuffled if Branden Albert is not healthy. Mathis has been rated as one of the best guards in the league the past two years by Pro Football Focus and he could end up with the team if the Dolphins want competition with Jamil Douglas, Billy Turner and Dallas Thomas
According to Pro Football Talk, Josh Freeman is trying to make the roster for the Dolphins, as he was signed to a one year deal this offseason. Freeman is in behind Tannehill and Matt Moore and he is battling with Bethel-Thompson for the chance to be third string. According to PFT, Freeman said to the Dolphins website that he is trying to be the "best player" he can be and that he is coming in with a "humble mentality" as he tries to win a spot on the roster.
Freeman is 27 and he comes in after a couple tough years after playing with the Buccaneers and starting for Tamp Bay. Freeman was out of action last season and he last played in 2013 with the Vikings and played in four games, throwing four interceptions and two touchdowns for 761 yards. Freeman could be a solid third stringer if he proved he still has some talent and it comes after the Dolphins had some interest in adding Matt Barkley around the NFL draft with the Eagles (which may have included Mathis).
The Dolphins have Landry and Miller as the main weapons for Tannehill along with the injured DeVante Parker and Greg Jennings. The team is expecting Parker to be back to start the season and he comes in along with free agent Jordan Cameron looking to make an impact. Tannehill was signed to a long extension this offseason and he is coming in after having a career year. Tannehill is hoping Parker can come back healthy, as he was set to take over for Mike Wallace in the offense.
Check here for more on the Dolphins, Josh Freeman's chances and Evan Mathis and more for the Dolphins guard situation.
