Heading into the 2015 season, Rishard Matthews was not happy. The Miami Dolphins had gone out and drafted DeVante Parker while trading for Kenny Stills and signing Greg Jennings all but leaving him out of the picture. The receiver requested a trade from the franchise while showing concern over the amount of playing time he would get. However, for most of the season, Matthews was the team MVP as he now prepares for free agency.
Matthews finished the year with 43 catches for 662 yards and four touchdowns. He was forced to end his season in Week 12 with rib and chest injuries, but his impact was felt as he led the unit for a good portion of the season. Matthews showed that he can be a physical receiver and great route runner, something that will get him a nice pay raise on the open market. Matthews doubts that raise comes from the Dolphins.
"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 ass 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."
According to the Palm Beach Post, bringing Matthews back could be a priority for the team. Parker is starting to come into his own as a receiver, but Jennings is aging and Jordan Cameron struggled at the tight end position. Matthews developed quick chemistry with Ryan Tannehill and that could really make all of the difference as the team tries to build around the quarterback position. Matthews would be an asset moving forward.
The Dolphins have another key player hitting free agency in Lamar Miller who might not return to Miami even if they ask. Miller had a nice contract season even if he was barely used. The running back proved he can handle the rushing load when given the opportunity. The issue was that he was never really given the chance. With Jay Ajayi playing behind him, Miller admitted that he is first going to look for a team that will actually use him. The running back has no interest in signing on with a team that passes much more than running.
"Fit," Miller said, via the Miami Herald. "How the team is going to use me to my skill set. Like I said before, it'd be great to continue playing my NFL career here in my hometown. But this is a business and I'm going to sit down with my agent and we're going to talk and go from there."
The Dolphins have something good in Ajayi, but they have something better in Miller. The veteran back will get plenty of interest on the free agent market if he becomes available. Miller should have no problem trying to find a team where he fits in. The Miami Dolphins would be wise to make themselves one of them.
