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In February, word out of Miami was that the Dolphins were talking to wide receiver Rishard Matthews about a contract that would keep him from hitting the market as an unrestricted free agent next week.

During an interview on WQAM with Joe Rose and Curtis Stevenson on Tuesday, Matthews confirmed that he’s been talking to the team and that he thinks the team’s direction with a new coaching staff “sounds good.” He adds that he’s “excited” about hitting free agency, however, and explained what he’s looking to get out of the process.

“Opportunity,” Matthews said. “Wherever I go, I’m competing to get on the field right away. I don’t want to be looked at as a guy that’s anything less than a 2. Wherever the opportunity is, that’s where I’m going.”

That could be an obstacle to his return to Miami. The Dolphins drafted Jarvis Landry and DeVante Parker early in the last two drafts and also traded for Kenny Stills last year, which probably doesn’t guarantee Matthews the kind of placement on the depth chart that he’d like heading into next season. There’s no guarantee the open market will bring such a role either, but it’s a pretty thin receiver group at the top end in free agency and that may serve Matthews well.