Rishard Matthews, seeking trade, stops attending voluntary workouts for Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins traded away a wide receiver this offseason and released two others, then traded for a receiver, signed a free agent, and drafted a rookie in the first round. Suddenly, Miami's receiving corps went from Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline, Jarvis Landry, and Brandon Gibson to Landry, Greg Jennings, Kenny Stills, and DeVante Parker. It is the guy not on those lists, however, that may be the most upset.

Rishard Matthews, essentially Miami's fifth wide out last year, saw the depth chart finally opening up and letting him get more playing time this offseason. Even with the trade for Stills and the signing on Jennings, being the fourth wide receiver on a team was not a bad deal and he would likely see plenty of playing time. Then Miami selected Parker with the 14th overall selection in this month's NFL Draft, and the door to playing time opportunity seemed to slam in Matthews' face.

Matthews was picked in the seventh round of the 2012 Draft. He has shown flashes of potential since joining the team, and has performed well when needed due to injuries. He has, however, had multiple issues since joining the Dolphins, including fines for being late to practice, a reported lack of attention to detail, and an undisclosed issue that led to him being benched against the Minnesota Vikings last year. Now, with little prospect of moving up the depth chart, it appears he is ready to move on to a new team.

According to the Miami Herald's Adam H. Beasley, Matthews has stopped attending the Dolphins' offseason workout program in an effort to demonstrate his displeasure with his role on the team, with the goal of either forcing a trade or release. Currently, the workouts are voluntary, with no punishment from the team allowed; it is unclear if Matthews will continue to skip workouts when mandatory practices begin, giving the team the ability to fine him.

The Dolphins attempted to trade Matthews last offseason, but never found a worthwhile suitor. He is a highly talented, young receiver, who could fit well in an offense, and should be productive for the Dolphins if he stays with the club.  He has to mature some, specifically when it comes to showing up on time to events, but the potential is there.  In three seasons with Miami, Matthews has recorded 64 receptions for 734 yards with 4 touchdowns in 38 games played, six of them starts.