In 2016 NFL free agency, who signs wide receiver Rishard Matthews?
The Miami Dolphins found themselves a talented, but inconsistent wide receiver out of Nevada in the last round of the 2012 NFL Draft. With the 227th overall pick the team selected Rishard Matthews, who has since started 17 games in four seasons, including 11 in 2015.
Unfortunately his career has been up and down, but coming off a solid 2015 should help the young man as he looks for his first chance to cash in on the open market. As a rookie Matthews recorded just 11 receptions in eight games. He followed that year up with a good sophomore campaign that saw him haul in 41 catches for 448 yards and two scores.
His third season was a dud, as he managed only 12 catches in 14 games. 2015 saw a return to form as Matthews started all 11 games he played in and had 43 receptions for 662 yards and four scores. His season ended after several fractured ribs in Week 12 sent him to the injured reserve.
Vitals
Age: 26
Notable stat: 8 career touchdowns
Pro Bowls: 0
All-Pro Teams: 0
Contract comparison
While he put up a good 2015 season, the two down years in his career could hurt him as he looks for a new deal. Another issue Matthews will face is durability questions as he managed to play 16 games just once in his career, back in 2013.
The best contract to compare for a starting point would be Houston Texans receiver Cecil Shorts, who like Matthews struggled to stay healthy but showed plenty of upside. Houston gave Shorts a two-year deal worth $6 million, and Matthews would be wise to try and take a similar deal to prove himself and hit the open market again in a couple of seasons.
Estimate: Two years, $5.5 million, $2 million guaranteed
Will he stay?
Matthews has been an option behind Jarvis Landry at receiver and the team spent a first round pick on DeVante Parker in 2015, which means Matthews best chance at getting more passes thrown his way would be to look around in free agency. With that in mind, look for Matthews to head out the door as he is being passed up on the depth chart in Miami.
One team that is great at taking a guy who showed flashes and making him a complete player would be the New England Patriots. A pairing of the two could help New England, who struggled at times to find receivers when starter Julian Edelman was out injured. Plus, taking a player from a divisional rival is always a bonus as well.