Chicago Bears free agency: Wide receivers

Rishard Matthews — Miami Dolphins

Matthews was a forgotten man in the Miami Dolphins’ wide receivers corps. Jarvis Landry and DeVante Parker got most of the attention in South Beach, and Kenny Stills got the leftovers.

Matthews requested a trade or a release during training camp after the Dolphins made their moves to their wide receivers unit. He feared being buried in the depth chart.

The Dolphins neither traded nor released him, and Matthews went on to have a pretty good season, even though a rib and chest injury cut short his season. He had 43 receptions for 662 yards and four touchdowns. He was second on the team in receptions.

He seems over his rib injury and is training to build on his 2015 season, whether it is with the Dolphins or not. “I mean, I’m not worried about that right now,” Matthews said. “I’m starting my training [Tuesday]. I’m going to train my a** off this offseason and just come prepared for next year wherever it is.”

Matthews is a physical receiver who can go up the middle and make a catch. He is a dependable possession receiver who can get you a much-needed first down and keep the chains moving.

Having a tough, dependable receiver like Matthews would benefit the Chicago Bears. Cutler can have a target he can feel comfortable with throwing to on a third-down, and have him get the first down.

Next: He Went From Afterthought To Top Dog