Although the Dolphins were not closely linked to Austin Ekeler this offseason, they were in on just about everyone else of note in trades. Nothing transpired, with Miami opting to retain its top 2022 running backs and turn to the draft to round out the group. But the team is again looking around at the position.
With the trade deadline now less than 48 hours away, the Dolphins are still being mentioned (via The Athletic’s Dianna Russini) as a team looking into running backs. The Ravens join them, per Russini. Both teams head into deadline week at 6-2, positioned as AFC contenders and clear buyers.
This update comes after Mike McDaniel indicated he was “very, very comfortable” with his roster and that GM Chris Grier has not come to him with proposals. The two Miami bigwigs will likely huddle up this week, with the team’s first Super Bowl berth since 1984 looming as an attainable goal.
The Dolphins pursued Jonathan Taylor and Dalvin Cook this summer, and they are believed to have at least asked the Giants on Saquon Barkley. When the season began, however, the team trotted out a Raheem Mostert–De’Von Achane duo. Jeff Wilson is now back off IR, though Achane — following an explosive multiweek spurt — is on IR with a knee injury. Achane’s injury could be why the Dolphins are again being mentioned in trades. Wilson and Mostert both have notable injury histories, with the latter now in his age-31 season. Mostert has remained healthy since signing with Miami, but he missed almost all of the 2021 season — McDaniel’s last in San Francisco.
When considering the NFL’s rushing hierarchy coming into Week 8, these teams being interested in backfield augmentations does appear a bit strange. The Dolphins and Ravens came into the week first and second in rushing. Sunday, Gus Edwards also scored three touchdowns in another Ravens win. Justice Hill resides as Baltimore’s top backup, with rookie Keaton Mitchell debuting recently as well. Though, the speedy first-year back has not been a ground-game factor just yet.
Baltimore did lose J.K. Dobbins to another season-ending injury and was mentioned this week in being a potential Derrick Henry suitor. But the Titans have let Henry know they do not plan to trade him, taking a key piece off the board. Ditto Barkley, who has received assurances the Giants will keep him through season’s end. Though, with the Giants at 2-6, nothing should be considered final on that front until 3pm CT Tuesday. While Cook is available, his showing to date would not stand to make him especially appealing. As such, teams are not believed to be calling the Jets on him.
Dolphins lead the league in rushing yards per game and the Ravens rank third, so wouldn’t looking at other areas to upgrade make a bit more sense?
350 of their yards were from that Broncos. They do need other help, but they may want a more inside runner.
A lot of that is the scheme. The Dolphins really commit to outside runs. Of course, part of that could be the lack of a true inside runner, but the Dolphins did have a few chances to acquire one this past offseason and did not.
It’s probably a mixture of both. The Dolphins can’t run inside because they don’t have that guy, but they never acquired that guy because they thought they didn’t need him.
The running back alliance will probably welcome this news. After an offseason of well publicized market drops, there are a bunch of teams (Miami, Minnesota, Dallas, plus a couple more) actively seeking running backs.
Jacobs and Barkley probably would have been higher profile candidates had they not agreed to their respective teams’ restructured offers. The Titans say that Henry is off limits, but I’m curious what they would need to consider moving. The Chargers are disappointing as usual despite their massive talent, and have been treating this season competitively, but they have a lot of trade bait on the roster. Ekeler could profile as one, if they decide to sell. Would K.C. trade Edwards-Helaire? He’s obviously not as high profile and not the big back or workhorse, but he could plausibly move. Would Cincy consider moving Mixon?
No sources here, obviously. I’m just curious to see how all this will shake out.
Josh Jacobs is either half stepping it to play it safe or the game plan and play calling is at a Division II level.. —- OH Wait, the coaching staff just got took by an undrafted Division II QB.
It could possibly be both…
The Dolphins seem like a really odd team to be in the RB market—unless Achane’s knee injury is more severe than we’ve been led to believe. Of course, we don’t really even know what the injury is.
Fournette still free agent.
Middle of the season and he has a history of not being in shape. He is the guy I thought of too but he needs to weigh a healthy 250lb.
He’s been getting calls and was in good enough shape to workout for Bill and patriots. That has to mean something. Maybe third down/intermediate ball runner like Latavius Murray