Miami Dolphins coaches may feel fairly secure in the current state of the team's offensive line heading into Year Four of the Ryan Tannehill era, but according to the latest report, Dolphins players may not see things the same way.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports that there is "definitely concern" amongst Dolphins players over the interior of the Miami offensive line and, more specifically, the two guard spots where "nobody had seized a position."
2014 third-round pick Billy Turner and 2013 third-round pick Dallas Thomas currently seem set to start the year protecting Tannehill on the inside - though, per Jackson, rookie Jamil Douglas has had "some good moments."
Considering neither Turner nor Thomas has been able to separate themselves from the rest of the pack for Miami though, it's very understandable that there is concern among the players in regards to the offensive line.
Tannehill, handed a big new franchise quarterback contract extension this offseason, needs protection first and foremost if he's going to make good on the potential he's shown and the uptick in production he managed last season.
The Dolphins have been linked to free agent guard Evan Mathis numerous times, going as far back as when he was still a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. Reports emerged in early June that the Dolphins were a "team to watch" when it came to Mathis. The team was also said to have sent a contingent of players down to Baton Rouge in order to recruit mammoth LSU tackle/guard La'el Collins after he was cleared of Collins going unselected in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Collins has since joined the Cowboys, but now that Mathis is on the open market, it seems an easy connection to make between the Dolphins and the grizzled veteran guard.
It may not be that simple, though.
Mathis was said to be seeking an upgrade on his previous contract - five-years, $25.5 million - in terms of guaranteed dollars, but according to the most recent report, this may prove a sticking point for the proud veteran in negotiations with potential new employers.
"I don't want to say Drew Rosenhaus overplayed his hand because I don't necessarily think he did," Fox Sports' Alex Marvez said on the Joe Rose Show, via CBSLocal.com. "What may have to happen here though is if he's willing to agree to a contract where Evan gets paid on performance-based incentives and Evan can make money back that will get him above that 5.5 million threshold that he wanted with the Philadelphia Eagles."
In the end, Mathis and Miami seem like a solid fit in terms of need, but whether value can align between the two sides is what stands between Mathis possibly donning a Dolphins uniform in 2015.
