10 players the Dolphins must address this off-season

Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Rishard Matthews

Impending free agent

Shortly after the 2015 NFL Draft, Matthews asked for his release or for a trade from the team. He was not happy with his lack of playing time and the Dolphins had just drafted DeVante Parker and traded for Kenny Stills. Matthews easily was the odd man out. The Dolphins felt different and declined his request.

Matthews has had a career season in 2015 and has really parlayed his time on the field into a new contract come next season. The question is whether it will be in Miami. The Dolphins problem here is that Matthews is playing really well and there is a connection between he and quarterback Ryan Tannehill. But is that enough?

Miami has three other wide-receivers on their roster that are expected to be integral parts in the 2016 offense which puts Matthews once again as the odd man out. Making matters worse of course is that Matthews will be a free agent and will likely want to test those waters.

Resign or let go?

The Dolphins have limited options here given the money they have tied up on offense. At some point in the next two years Miami will have to re-sign Jarvis Landry and that won’t be cheap. Matthews is a good football player but he isn’t great. He is better than Brian Hartline was but Hartline should never have received the contract he received. Miami needs to let this one go. There is little to no trade value for him and on the open market Matthews will likely earn a very good contract as a 2nd tier or 3rd tier receiver.

Next: Number 2