Dolphins Looking For Running Back Help In Free Agency
MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – When the NFL lockout finally ends, the Miami Dolphins are likely to focus on improving a weak running game when free agency begins.
While agent Drew Rosenhaus said New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw would be interested in playing for the Dolphins; Bradshaw seems to be ready to re-sign with the New York Giants.
The Dolphins need an influx of speed at the running back position. A scat back who could come in on third down to give the Fins a legitimate threat would go a long way to improving the moribund offense that took the field last season.
At the top of the Dolphins', and many other teams', list at running back is DeAngelo Williams. The former Carolina Panther will command big money, which makes him a long shot for the Dolphins.
But, his fit would be perfect. He can be an every down back if Dolphins draft pick Daniel Thomas goes down to injury. Williams averages 5 yards a carry for his career and has gone over 1,000 yards twice in his five seasons in the NFL.
Past Williams, the next running back on the list should be San Diego Chargers back Darren Sproles. The diminutive running back has averaged more than 50 catches per season the last two years. He's a true threat to take it the distance every time he touches the ball.
Plus, Sproles is dangerous on special teams. Sproles has returned kicks and punts for touchdowns and would finally give the Dolphins someone teams fear on special teams.
For his career, Sproles has almost 6,500 yards on kick returns and just fewer than 1,000 yards on punt returns. He averages 25 yards per kick return and 8.2 yards per punt return.
The other possible target could be New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush. The problem with Bush is that he's never been able to stay healthy in the NFL.
His numbers have declined since his first year in the league and he's not played 16 games in a season since his rookie season.
Bush can return punts and has 4 touchdowns for his career. He's teased with tremendous ability dating back to his days at USC, but injuries are a major red flag for any team thinking about signing Bush.
Plus, Bush is likely to ask for a big contract, which the Dolphins aren't likely to give to an injury-prone back.
