Dolphins talking to Rishard Matthews
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins are reportedly talking with wide-receiver Rishard Matthews about a new contract. It’s a little surprising given the needs at other positions and their current list of in-house potential free agents.
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According to the Miami Herald’s Adam Beasley, the Dolphins have reached out to Matthews agents to explore what the receiver is asking for. It could simply be due diligence on their part but it’s a suprising to the extent many believed it a foregone conclusion that Matthews would walk into free agency. That’s not to say he won’t.
Matthews had a very solid 2015 season before suffering a chest injury against the Jets and then missing the remainder of the season. The Dolphins however need to also address the situation of Olivier Vernon, Derrick Shelby, and Lamar Miller as well.
Matthews as thought to be the odd man out in the group as the team has been rumored to be intent on keeping both Miller and Vernon. With De’Vante Parker ready to assume a full-time starting role after being the Dolphins first pick in last years draft and young speedster Kenny Stills on the roster with a cheap salary, Miami was likely going to let Matthews walk.
If the Dolphins do re-sign Matthews what future would Stills have with the team? Miami is loaded at wide-receiver. The real question however is what Matthews is looking for in his next contract? He played well enough to garner likely interest in the market and will see a considerable jump in salary but what is realistic and fair? Is $3 milliion a season to much or too little? It will likely be in the range of $5 million per season and could the Dolphins really afford that?
The Dolphins are going to find out now that the communication line is open.
In other Dolphins news, Miami added two players to their roster. WR A.J. Cruz who was a standout Arena League player and veteran corner Chimdi Chekwa who has spent four seasons in the NFL but was out of football in 2015.