The Miami Dolphins are coming into training camp with high expectations this season and there is a chance the team could sign Evan Mathis as a free agent to help the offensive line, while the absence of DeVante Parker in camp could help Rishard Matthews make the roster and this comes as Josh Freeman has been released ahead of camp opening.
The Dolphins signed Ryan Tannehill to a lengthy contract extension this offseason and after signing Ndamukong Suh in free agency, playoffs are on the mind of the Dolphins. The team took Parker in the first round and he underwent foot surgery that likely will keep him out for camp. Matthews reportedly asked for his release earlier in the offseason because he was frustrated with his role on the team, but with Parker out, Matthews could get a chance to make the roster out of camp after the team also added Greg Jennings as a free agent.
The Dolphins previously have had interest in free agent Evan Mathis and he could be a target with training camp getting close to opening. According to the Miami Herald, the Dolphins had "initial interest" in Mathis, but the team "has not pursued" the guard in "recent days" and they may wait and see what he ends up doing. The team reportedly wants to see "how their young guards perform in camp" and if Mathis waits until after camp opens to sign, it could give Miami a chance to jump back in.
The Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos and NY Giants have all had interest in Mathis and Jake Long is also on the market. Long, a former Dolphin, has not been on Miami's radar, but if another team signs Long, it could help with Mathis. The Dolphins have some options at guard and according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, there was some "concern" among players that "no one seized the opportunity" in the offseason. Jackson writes that Miami will have Jamil Douglas, Billy Turner and Dallas Thomas competing.
The Dolphins have Parker on the mend from foot surgery and while he is expected to be back for Week 1, there is a chance that he will not be ready. If that happens, Matthews could be a depth option behind Kenny Stills, Jarvis Landry and Greg Jennings until Parker can return. The Miami Herald reported that teammates have been supporting Matthews, with one saying he would "thrive if he had a larger role" and that could happen with Parker banged up. Matthews comes in after making just 12 catches last season and that was a major disappointment from when he had 41 catches in 2013.
The Dolphins let go of Josh Freeman heading into camp after signing him in the offseason, according to Pro Football Talk. The team is now going into camp with Ryan Tannehill, Matt Moore and McLeod Bethel-Thompson on the roster at QB. After a couple tough seasons, Freeman was a long shot to make the Dolphins and he has not been a starter in the league since he played with the Vikings.
Check here for more on the Miami Dolphins training camp or for more on the interest in Mathis.
