Rishard Matthews picked a good time to have a breakout season. The wide receiver began the 2015 season by requesting a trade following the arrival of DeVante Parker, Kenny Stills and Greg Jennings. However, he remained with the team and became a leading receiver before an injury ended his time early. Now with an expiring contract to his name, Matthews intends to test the market as several teams will be interested in the wide receiver.
Matthews is preparing for a very nice contract extension after putting up 43 catches for 662 yards and four touchdowns in 11 games. A rib injury ended his season early, but he was leading the team in receiving yards until getting hurt. Matthews proved his worth to the Dolphins and to other teams around the league. The wide receiver stressed that he is not overly concerned about free agency, determined to simply find the best fit for him in the future.
"I mean, I'm not worried about that right now," Matthews said, via ESPN.com. "I'm starting my training [Tuesday]. I'm going to train my a** off this offseason and just come prepared for next year wherever it is. Just where I fit in with the offense, where I fit in with the organization. That's the biggest thing really. Wherever it is, I'm going to go compete and try to get on the field right away."
There is a chance that the Dolphins are the team that signs Matthews in free agency. They would be wise to look at the idea considering Greg Jennings is likely to get released while Stills struggled to connect with Ryan Tannehill. Matthews showed good chemistry with the quarterback while running well alongside Parker and Jarvis Landry. However, if the Dolphins are stingy on their contract offer, a number of teams will be ready to swoop in.
The Dallas Cowboys could become a landing spot. Owner Jerry Jones told the Dallas Morning News that while Dez Bryant is expected to return healthy in 2016, there is a need for better depth. Both Terrance Williams and Cole Beasley struggled to make an impact which could make Matthews a target to help Tony Romo. The Cowboys know their championship window is small so getting an established threat like Matthews could help the effort.
The Detroit Lions could be a potential target as well. The team is awaiting a final word from Calvin Johnson on whether or not he is really retiring before exploring their options going forward. Without Johnson, the Lions have just Golden Tate and TJ Jones as their premier threats for Matthew Stafford. Matthews would be an ideal addition. The Atlanta Falcons are another team that could be saying goodbye to a veteran as the future of Roddy White is unknown. Matthews could run tandem with Julio Jones for Matt Ryan.
The Dolphins plan to have Parker and Landry as their starting wide receiver duo in 2016. Jennings could be released leaving the No.3 spot open to Stills who is under contract or Matthews who is not. Matthews made it clear he wants to play somewhere he can start right away and that might not be Miami.
