The Miami Dolphins could still look at Evan Mathis as a free agent option on the offensive line, as the team is reportedly keeping tabs on the guard as training camp goes on, but so far the team has not wanted to meet the asking price of Mathis and this comes as Ryan Tannehill is looking for players Jarvis Landry, Greg Jennings, Rishard Matthews, Kenny Stills and Jordan Cameron to step up while DeVante Parker is out.
The Dolphins could use some depth at guard and Mathis was rated as one of the best offensive lineman by Pro Football Focus last season. According to the Miami Herald, the Dolphins "dialogue is ongoing" with Mathis, but the team thinks that Mathis is asking for too much money. Pro Football Talk reports that the team could sign Mathis if "his price comes down" and it comes after he was set to make $5.5 million with the Eagles before getting released.
Mathis is 33 years old and he spent the last two years looking to get a new contract from the Eagles and Chip Kelly finally decided to make a move. The Dolphins have Branden Albert coming back from a knee injury and he may not be ready for Week 1 and that could get the team to make a move. Albert is the left tackle for the team and the Dolphins could slide someone over if they bring in Mathis at guard.
The Dolphins are expecting their offense to be strong this season and the team has made a number of changes, bringing in Kenny Stills, DeVante Parker, Greg Jennings and Jordan Cameron to replace Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson. The team has Ryan Tannehill coming in after having his best season in his career and he just signed a long term extension. Parker and Stills are both banged up in training camp and that has given Rishard Matthews the chance to work with the first team offense, according to the Miami Herald.
Matthews was reportedly an option to get released earlier this offseason, but with the surgery to Parker and the injury to Stills' calf, Matthews has the chance to make an impact. Last season Matthews had just 12 catches in 14 games after putting up 41 in 2013 and he will be trying to find targets from Tannehill. Landry is coming in after a strong rookie season and the Dolphins reportedly are hopeful that Parker will be ready to play in Week 1.
Parker started off training camp on the PUP list after getting foot surgery and according to the Miami Herald, Parker could be out for the entire preseason. The Dolphins plan on bringing Parker along fast and WRs coach Ken O'Keefe said to the Herald that Parker is expected to "feature" in Week 1 if he is healthy. Parker is coming out of Louisville and should slot in as the number two or three receiver along with Landry and Jennings.
