Dolphins Headed for Replay at Running Back?
The Miami Dolphins do not have a single running back under contract for the 2023 season, but it sure seems more likely at this point that every back from 2022 could be back than all of them could be gone.
Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr. and Myles Gaskin are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents in two weeks, while Salvon Ahmed is scheduled to become a restricted free agent.
The Dolphins traditionally have not been a team to spend big money on a free agent running back or spend a high draft pick at the position, and Mike McDaniel has been used to a running-back-by-committee approach.
It all adds up to the idea of maybe running it back with the same group.
As GM Chris Grier suggested as a possibility at the combine Wednesday morning.
"Yeah, we talked about (the running back position), that was the one we talked about the other day for just a little bit," Grier said. "Because obviously, we traded for Jeff, , and obviously Raheem and Mike's relationship as well. So, yeah, very open to those guys coming back.
"We've talked about that scenario where they may be back, we may have the same backfield back next year. Obviously, they're free agents, and that'll play a part in it, but we would be very excited to have them back."
WHAT THE DOLPHINS HAD IN THEIR 2022 RUNNING BACKS
If the Dolphins were to bring back all four running backs, they'd again have an element of speed with Mostert and Ahmed, along with the physical presence of Wilson.
All four running backs from 2022 figure to earn modest contracts for next season, so it's not like the Dolphins would have to hurt their salary cap, and the biggest question is what kind of offers they might get once they hit the free agent market.
If the Dolphins do lose one or more of their running backs to free agency, Grier says he's prepared to use the draft to restock the position.
"If there's a really good player, an opportunity to get a really good player, we can't pass up anything right now," Grier said. "So we need some depth in some spots and running back obviously with no one under contract on the roster right now would be one and and there's some good players in this draft. So we'll always keep looking and you guys know how Mike loves his running backs."
Yes, Mike McDaniel loves his running backs.
There was every indication he loved his running backs in 2022. And that's why don't be surprised if those also are his running backs in 2023.
