Dolphins alternatives to Evan Mathis

The interest the Miami Dolphins have expressed in Pro Bowl offensive lineman Evan Mathis is still one of the league’s most persistent rumors. However, one factor in turning this buzz into reality has been his well documented price tag.

Recent rumblings around the football world have indicated that Mathis is close to a deal, but no one is mentioning a team name. It could be the Dolphins, it could be someone else. At this juncture it’s a vague omen.

However, if Mathis signs with Miami, the potential deal will eat up a good chunk of the Dolphins’ remaining $10 million in cap space. The front office will need as much money as possible to roll into next season’s cap to help alleviate the impending crunch for next season.

While the Mathis speculation has consistently been in the limelight, aren’t there other offensive guards to consider? The 33-year-old can’t be the only option.

So, in the name of due diligence, let’s take a look at some other options the Dolphins can explore other than shelling out a lot of cash to bring the former Philadelphia Eagle aboard.

Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Gabe Carimi

Carimi was a late first round pick by the Chicago Bears in 2011. He was traded in 2013 to Tampa Bay and cut seven months later. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons and started in seven games last season.

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He’s affluent in both tackle positions and guard, and just turned 27 years old. He’ll also come cheap as he earned $832,500 last season with Atlanta.

While he’s suffered some knee injuries in the past, he played in every game last season.

The hang up with Carimi is that he’s not a Pro Bowl caliber guy. He’s bounced from team to team and hasn’t earned a name for himself after four years in the league. Though he has much more tread on the tires than the over 30 linemen still available.

He’s a reclamation project with low risk, high reward potential, but is more of a tackle than a guard. Carimi is the best of the cheapest and youngest options. At 6’7 and 315 pounds, he’s also the biggest guard on this list.