Patriots Commentary

Patriots Free Agency Outlook – Wide Receivers

Steve Balestrieri Senior Writer · PatsFans.com since 2011

Feb 16, 2016 at 6:26 am ET 6 min read 2.8k views

Photo: Erich Schlegel - USA TODAY Sports

6 min read Patriots Commentary

Rishard Matthews

Matthews, much like Benjamin had a coming out party in 2015. But while he lacks the explosiveness of the speedy Cleveland wideout, he makes up for that with size and dependability. He caught 43 passes for 662 yards (15.4 avg), with 4 touchdowns for the Dolphins before a rib injury sidelined him.

Matthews has good size at 6’0, 212-pounds and is an underrated if under-used (the second Miami player to have that title), wide receiver who could be a nice pickup for the Patriots offense.

Like the previously listed Jones and Sanu, Matthews isn’t going to be “the guy” who will be the focal point of the offense, but he can be a very solid addition with good speed, size and dependability. He caught 70 percent of the passes thrown his way in 2015.

Miami may make a move to retain him and with the new coaching staff, perhaps they can convince him that he will cease being an afterthought in their offensive game plans, which under the former regime were suspect at best. With New England, Matthews is a guy who could easily step in to the Brandon LaFell role whom the Patriots may cut ties to this spring. With good size, speed and sure hands, he’d instantly bond with Brady and be a very attractive third option behind Edelman and Gronk.

Matthews like Benjamin should be looking for a payday in the $4 to 4.5 million-dollar range. If that is close to what the Patriots value him, then he could be a target.

One other player whose name has been bandied about is Anquan Boldin from the 49ers. The soon-to-be 36-year old wide receiver shows no signs of slowing down. Although he’s not the deep threat he once was, he’s still very productive and reliable. But he’s made it clear, he wants to stay in SF and despite the struggling Niners QB situation, he’ll probably do just that.

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About Steve Balestrieri

A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

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