Running backs have confirmed their worth within the Dolphins’ group for many years, together with Hall of Famer Larry Csonka within the Seventies, high-profile standout Ricky Williams within the 2000s and Jay Ajayi in 2016.
Perhaps the precise working again might do one thing equally dynamic for the 2023 Dolphins, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the upstart offense.
Free company unofficially will get underway on March 13, when the two-day contact interval begins.
Free brokers can signal contracts on March 15, the primary day of the brand new league yr.
The Dolphins look like in a “win now” mode with acquisitions equivalent to huge receiver Tyreek Hill ($120 million), left deal with Terron Armstead ($75 million), edge rusher Bradley Chubb ($110 million), and, reportedly, Vic Fangio, the soon-to-be-named defensive coordinator who would be the NFL’s highest-paid assistant coach at $4.5 million per season.
So it stands to purpose the Dolphins may need an all-in perspective at such an vital place.
If that’s the case, confirmed high-quality veterans equivalent to Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants, Dallas’ Tony Pollard or Las Vegas’ Josh Jacobs, the NFL’s main rusher final yr, can be found however their price ticket begins at about $9 million per season.
There’s additionally a second tier of free brokers that embrace Philadelphia’s Miles Sanders, Chicago’s David Montgomery or Detroit’s Jamaal Williams.
On the opposite hand, drafting a working again brings somebody cheaper, youthful, and with a lot much less mileage. The concern there may be you’re relying on an unproven amount as a result of he’s rookie.
The Dolphins misplaced their first-round decide on account of tampering, however they’ve three second-round choices and two third-rounders.
The Dolphins’ prime two working backs from final season, Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr., are each free brokers and may very well be re-signed.
Each has expertise with coach Mike McDaniel from their days collectively in San Francisco, and Mostert rushed for a career-best 891 yards final season earlier than lacking the wildcard playoff recreation at Buffalo on account of a knee harm. Wilson, acquired from San Francisco on the Nov. 1 commerce deadline, rushed for 392 yards in eight video games with the Dolphins.
The Dolphins’ run recreation might use a lift, however the query is whether or not it’s extra of a participant concern or a play-calling concern.
Mostert averaged 4.9 yards per carry, and Wilson averaged 4.7 yards a carry.
But the Dolphins, who averaged 4.3 yards per carry, have been second-to-last in dashing makes an attempt.
The Dolphins noticed what a very good working recreation can do not too long ago.
In 2016, the Dolphins discovered themselves floundering at 1-4 and needing a lift. They discovered it in Ajayi, the second-year fifth-round pick of Boise State.
Ajayi put a jolt within the offense by dashing for 204 yards towards Pittsburgh, 214 yards towards Buffalo and 111 yards towards the Jets, sparking a six-game profitable streak, a 9-2 end, 10-6 season document, and the franchise’s first wildcard berth since 2008.
Here’s a take a look at among the free-agent working backs that may very well be a match for the Dolphins. The franchise tag is estimated to be round $10 million for the 2023 season. The franchise tag deadline is March 7.
Saquon Barkley, New York Giants: Possibly the highest working again available on the market. He rushed for 1,312 yards (fourth-best within the NFL) on a career-best 295 carries final season and was named to the Pro Bowl and received Comeback Player of the Year. The five-year veteran has harm issues that should be thought of. He has a market worth of round $12.3 million per yr, in response to Spotrac.com.
Tony Pollard, Dallas: Served because the No. 2 again behind Ezekiel Elliott, however in response to a report final week, he’ll get the franchise tag. Pollard, who can be 26 when the season begins, rushed for 1,007 yards and 9 touchdowns whereas averaging 5.2 yards per carry final season. He sustained a fractured left fibula and excessive ankle sprain within the playoff loss to San Francisco, however is anticipated to totally recuperate by the beginning of subsequent season. He has a market worth of $9 million per yr, in response to Spotrac.com.
Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas: Jacobs, the No. 24 decide within the 2019 draft, led the league in dashing with 1,653 yards. The 25-year-old additionally led the league in yards from scrimmage (2,053) and touches (393). He is also a candidate to get the franchise tag. Jacobs has mentioned he desires to return to the Raiders and would play on the franchise tag in the event that they loaded up on different positions, including, “if you want me to come back as the hero, you better pay me like a hero.” Jacobs mentioned if he doesn’t return to the Raiders, he’d wish to play someplace “tax free,” presumably that means a state with no state revenue tax, equivalent to Florida. He has a market worth of $12.8 million per yr, in response to Spotrac.com.
Miles Sanders, Philadelphia: Sanders, a second-round decide in 2019, simply accomplished his fourth season and recorded profession bests in dashing yards (1,269) and touchdowns (11) whereas serving to lead the Eagles to the Super Bowl. He had 50 receptions for 509 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie, however hasn’t had greater than 28 receptions in any of his different three seasons. Sanders, who can be 26 when the season begins, was slowed by an ankle harm final season however has been sturdy, taking part in 57 of a potential 64 video games. He has a market worth of $7.2 million per yr, in response to Spotrac.com.
David Montgomery, Chicago: Montgomery, who can be 26 when the season begins, is a third-round decide from Iowa State in 2019 and a dual-threat again. He rushed for 801 yards (4.0 yards per carry) and 5 touchdowns final season and added 34 receptions for 316 yards and one landing. In 2020, his second season, Montgomery rushed for 1,070 yards, his only one,000-yard dashing season, and 7 touchdowns. He’s averaged 39 receptions for 310 yards a season. Montgomery has been sturdy, taking part in in 60 of a potential 64 video games. He has a market worth of round $7.2 million, in response to Spotrac.com.
Others to observe: Kareem Hunt, Cleveland; Jamaal Williams, Detroit; Damien Harris, New England; Rashaad Penny, Seattle; Dont’a Foreman, Carolina; Devin Singletary, Buffalo.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com