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New England Patriots Wise to Target WR Rishard Matthews

By Dan Schmelzer

Sep 20, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Aaron Colvin (22) tackles Miami Dolphins wide receiver Rishard Matthews (18) during the second half of an NFL Football game at EverBank Field. The Jacksonville Jaguars won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Aaron Colvin (22) tackles Miami Dolphins wide receiver Rishard Matthews (18) during the second half of an NFL Football game at EverBank Field. The Jacksonville Jaguars won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New England Patriots do not figure to be major players in free agency but the latest NFL rumors have the team targeting free agent WR Rishard Matthews. Would he be a strong addition to the team?

Rarely does Bill Belichick go out and pay premium price for a player on the open market. It is much more likely that he will sit back and wait for the perfect opportunity to grab an under-valued talent. The latest example of this was the Patriots landing DE Jabaal Sheard during last year’s free agency period for a measly two-year, $11 million deal.

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Sheard went on to have a great season for the Patriots, and is now a true centerpiece for the team on the defensive line. They will undoubtedly be looking to add players with similar under-valued talent this off season, and one of their targets appears to have been figured out.

Doug Kyed of NESN has placed the Patriots with interest in free agent WR Rishard Matthews. To me, Matthews seems like the same kind of undervalued talent who the Patriots regularly score on.

Matthews really started to become a key part of the Miami Dolphins’ offense last season, but a rib injury forced him to miss the last five games of the year. Matthews’ 43 receptions for 662 yards and four touchdowns were all career highs, despite only appearing in 11 games.

In Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman, the Patriots have two great targets for Tom Brady in the passing game. However, there is little else to speak of on the roster as far as receiving options. Matthews would have a great opportunity to be a legitimately important target for one of the best quarterbacks in the history of the game.

With Brandon LaFell now out-of-town, there is an obvious opening for an outside receiver in the Patriots’ offense. Matthews showed the ability to play both on the outside and in the slot for the Dolphins, but his combination of size (6’0″, 217 pounds) and athleticism would make him a strong fit for an outside receiver in the Patriots’ offense.

Adding Matthews to the mix would immediately give the Patriots a young and exciting receiver to groom on the outside. Matthews is a talented player who is looking for an opportunity to shine, and the Patriots have the snaps to offer him if he will agree to come in for a fair price.

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Wide receiver is a legitimate position of need for the Patriots. Matthews is far from a proven commodity, but the Patriots do an incredibly good job of finding under-valued talent in free agency. Could Matthews be the next free agent steal for the New England Patriots? Let’s just say, I would not be surprised.

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