More than a week after being released by the Titans, Rishard Matthews has his first workouts. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports (via Twitter) that the wideout is set to audition for the Browns on Monday and the Cardinals on Tuesday.
The wideout asked for (and was granted) his release from the Titans in late September. Since then, Matthews hadn’t generated much interest, but he did hire agent Drew Rosenhaus earlier this week. The 28-year-old was previously representing himself, and as our own Zach Links pointed out, it was essential for Matthews to team with a powerful agent to move past the perception that he quit on Tennessee.
Of course, Matthews’ play on the field hasn’t helped his free agent status, either. The former seventh-round pick was only targeted six times in three games, hauling in three receptions for 11 yards. He also had four punt returns for 38 yards. Of course, he’s not even two years removed from a 2016 campaign where he compiled 945 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
The Cardinals had previously been mentioned as a potential landing spot for Mathews, along with the Cowboys, Patriots, Bills, and Seahawks. Arizona has 616 receiving yards through four games, the worst mark in the NFL. Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk have combined for 290 of those yards, and Mathews could logically slide in ahead of Chad Williams, JJ Nelson, and Trent Sherfield on the depth chart.
The Browns’ receiving corps hasn’t been nearly as dismal as the Cardinals’ grouping, although it still hasn’t been all that inspiring. Jarvis Landry is slotted in atop the depth chart, but neither Antonio Callaway not Rashard Higgins have emerged as a consistent number-two option. Matthews could provide some competition for that grouping. At the very least, he could slot in ahead of Derrick Willies, Rod Streater, and Damion Ratley.
He use to play with Landry in Miami. I feel the Browns could be the favorite.
Totally forgot Matthews played for the dolphins