In terms of X's and O's, there are plenty of reasons for the Miami Dolphins to have interest in new free-agent guard Evan Mathis. He's a Pro Bowl-caliber player at a big position of need for Miami, which currently has two question marks at guard.

But money, as usual, will be the biggest deciding factor in whether Miami considers Mathis -- and for good reason. Mathis was holding out and essentially walked away from a $5.5 million salary with the Philadelphia Eagles this season. In fact, he wanted and expected more money from Philadelphia. That is likely where talks will start with other teams.

Would the Dolphins be willing to add a $5-$7 million guard on their books for the next two or three years? That seems unlikely. Miami already spent a lot of money this offseason, highlighted by the $114 million signing of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and $96 million extension for quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The Dolphins also have looming contract decisions in 2016 with starting defensive end Olivier Vernon, running back Lamar Miller and potentially linebacker Jelani Jenkins.

Maybe Mathis, 33, will get $5-$7 million per season in a multi-year contract from someone in the open market. He is, after all, a very good player. But it is doubtful Miami will spend that kind of money this late in free agency.

Mathis is a great fit for Miami on the field. But the only way Mathis and the Dolphins are a match is if he's willing to take less money and perhaps less years to play in Miami.