The Miami Dolphins want another star running back. The team was spoiled for two seasons having Reggie Bush in the backfield eager to prove himself. After he jetted off to the Detroit Lions, the Dolphins thought getting younger at the position would help. However, that plan failed to pan out and now Miami is looking for a big name and that could come at LeGarrette Blount.
The Dolphins were hoping Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas would be the breakout players of 2013. Two young backs working in tandem sounded good on paper, but not so much on the field. The result was 709 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Miami is likely regretting not giving Bush the money he wanted. So now as free agency approaches, Blount appears to be the top target.
The Miami Herald is reporting that while the Dolphins remain confident that both Miller and Thomas could continue to grow and work well with one another, they want someone explosive to help quarterback Ryan Tannehill immediately. While both backs have speed, Blount has the physical style or play Miami is targeting. After a breakout year with the New England Patriots, he could be in for a lot of attention come March 11.
It is very unlikely the Patriots are even going to consider offering Blount a contract extension. While the running back was certainly a star of the team, there are simply too many other players approaching free agency to worry. New England has made both Julian Edelman Aqib Talib their top priorities this upcoming offseason, leaving very little attention to Blount. While he says he would ideally like to return to New England, negotiations have not taken place.
To make matters worse, Robert Kraft is not looking to overspend this season on free agents. The Patriots owner told the Boston Herald that the team will spend very wisely in order to keep their salary cap situation under control. Blount could command a long-term deal worth plenty of money that the Patriots are unwilling to shell out.
The Miami Herald notes that Miami is not looking to get into a bidding war for running backs so if Blount is unavailable, they will draft someone. The team has scouted players like Carlos Hyde and Jeremy Hill who are both downhill, physical runners with big bodies.
