With training camp beginning for some teams, several big-named players remain available on the free agent market. As always, free agency has proven to be extremely unkind to veterans and players are learning that the hard way in 2015. Evan Mathis might be one of the best players still without a contract after his falling out with the Philadelphia Eagles. With several Pro Bowl appearances to his name, who will sign the offensive lineman and get an immediate upgrade on the field?
According to the Miami Herald, the Dolphins could become the leading candidate for Mathis which could cap off a big offseason for the team as they try and become playoff contenders. The Dolphins' biggest weakness heading into the season is the depth at offensive guard. Acquiring Mathis would mean the team has four very solid starters on their line with Branden Albert, Ja'Wuan James and Mike Pouncey headlining the group. Over the past few seasons, the Dolphins have struggled at the line position and Mathis could be the final piece to a potential playoff puzzle.
The Dolphins made a long-term investment in quarterback Ryan Tannehill and the best way to see that pay off is by getting Mathis under contract. Having the quality line protecting Tannehill will allow Miami to see the potential their quarterback has. It will also open up the run game that no longer features players like Knowshon Moreno. The Dolphins are putting their trust in Lamar Miller to handle the starting job while Jay Ajayi works in as well.
The Dolphins have high expectations this summer. They have made several upgrades throughout the roster including the wide receiver position in order to give Tannehill as many playmakers as possible on the roster. Jarvis Landry will return as the No.1 target while Kenny Stills is expected to play a big role in his first year with the team. Landry told the media that loves what Stills brings to the field for Miami.
As the Dolphins, we've always been known as a .500 team," Landry said, via the New Orleans Times-Picayune. "Can't get over the hump. Can't make the playoffs. As many weapons as we can add, I'm really appreciative of it because it allows us to be that much more successful."
Stills will be critical to the Dolphins especially while first-round draft pick DeVante Parker heals from offseason foot surgery. The Dolphins remain hopeful that Parker will be ready to play come Week 1, but there are not guarantees. If he is out, Greg Jennings will see a lot more playing time than Miami originally planned for.
