The Miami Dolphins have Lamar Miller hitting free agency this offseason and there is a chance that the running back will not return to South Beach next season. If Miller leaves in free agency, Miami could look at players like Arian Foster, Matt Forte, Chris Ivory or Ronnie Hillman as replacement options.
The Dolphins come into the offseason with a tight cap situation and that could force the team to let some players go in free agency. Miller, Olivier Vernon and Rishard Matthews are among the players hitting free agency and there is a chance that all three players will not return next season. James Walker at ESPN writes that the team plans to "free up cap room" this offseason ahead of free agency, but that still may not be enough to keep Miller in Miami.
Miller is heading to the market as the top running back and he is expected to be targeted by a number of teams in free agency. Walker writes that he thinks there is a "40 percent chance" that Miller returns to Miami and the main factor could be how Miller fits in the new offense from head coach Adam Gase. Walker wrote in January that Miller said that "scheme and fit" would be important factors in where he would sign for the 2016 season.
Miller was frustrated with his use on offense last season and that could play a part in his decision even with the new coaching staff coming in. Miller is a Miami native and may want to stay in South Beach, but other teams may offer more money and that could make a big difference. Miller comes in after rushing for 872 yards and eight touchdowns last season and he has combined for 1,971 yards and 19 total touchdowns the past two seasons. Walker writes that the Dallas Cowboys could be a "very good fit" for Miller in free agency.
If Miller ends up leaving in free agency, Miami likely will add at least one running back to join Jay Ajayi and Damien Williams on the roster. The free agent class has a number of players at the position, including names like Matt Forte, Ronnie Hillman, LeGarrette Blount and Chris Ivory. Arian Foster also could join that list, as the Houston Chronicle reports that the running back is expected to be released this offseason by the Texans.
Forte is hitting the market after a productive career with the Bears and he is not expected to return to Chicago. Forte could be a nice fit for Ryan Tannehill on offense, as he is one of the best pass-catching running backs in the league. Ivory is a hard runner that could be a target to play alongside Ajayi, while Foster also could be a fit if he is released by Houston and proves that he is healthy after tearing his ACL last season.