Dolphins Potential Free Agent Running Back Targets
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The Dolphins currently have one running back under contract for next season after recently re-signing pending restricted free agent Salvon Ahmed. Both of last season’s leading rushers, Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr., are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Miami try to bring them back.
Wilson recently said on South Florida's WSVN show "Sports Xtra" that he hopes to return to the Dolphins, while Mostert and HC Mike McDaniel have spent six seasons together between San Francisco and Miami.
If the Dolphins do elect to return all three, it would be unlikely that they would spend much money, if any, on the position in free agency. Regardless, there are two players who fit Miami’s need and would be considered upgrades at the position, and one who could offer a dynamic that team hasn’t had.
Tier 1 Options
MILES SANDERS, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Projected Contract: 3 years, $22.5 million ($14.5 million guaranteed), via ProFootballFocus
Sanders is coming off a career year for the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles. He set personal highs in yards (1,269), and touchdowns (11), while playing in every game for the first time in his four-year career. There’s a strong chance he doesn’t return to Philly, as they have a plethora of key free agents and limited cap space. Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard, three of the top backs who were scheduled to hit free agency, were franchise-tagged. That leaves Sanders as the biggest name on the market. The Dolphins don’t have a track record of spending on the running back position, but Sanders would be a good fit for the scheme if the team doesn’t bring back Mostert and/or Wilson.
DAVID MONTGOMERY, CHICAGO BEARS
Projected contract: 3 years, $19.5 million ($12.75 million gtd), via Pro Football Focus
Montgomery recently has served as one of the few dependable offensive threats for the Chicago Bears. Over his first four years, he’s amassed 3,609 yards and 26 touchdowns on the ground, while adding 1,240 yards and four touchdowns as a receiver out of the backfield. Montgomery possesses all the tools the Dolphins scheme requires, including the ability to pass-protect, but comes with a price tag that may extend past the team’s comfort zone. He’ll be 26 when the season starts, which is about the average midpoint in today’s NFL, but has missed only six games throughout his career.
Tier 2 Option
JERICK McKINNON, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Projected Contract: 2 years, $6 million ($3.5M gtd), via ProFootballFocus
The Dolphins signed RB Chase Edmonds in free agency last year, hoping he’d give the offense a true receiving threat out of the backfield. That never worked out, and Edmonds was traded as part of the deal that landed Bradley Chubb, but it’s still a dynamic that would make a real impact for the offense. Even if Miami re-signs Mostert and Wilson, neither of them have ever shown to be tremendous pass catchers. McKinnon is exactly that, posting 512 yards and nine touchdowns through the air with Kansas City last season. Adding McKinnon would give defenses a real concern, on top of having to guard Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and also would provide a safety net when plays break down and leave Tua scrambling. McKinnon has a connection with McDaniel from his time with the 49ers from 2018-20, though he missed those first two seasons with a knee injury. The good news is that he's played 43 games over the past three seasons.
