The Miami Dolphins signed Knowshon Moreno as a free agent to help boost their rushing game this offseason and now that Chris Johnson has been released, the team could look at him as another option to add depth, especially if they want to release either Lamar Miller or Daniel Thomas, their starting backs from last season.
The New England Patriots and New York Jets have expressed interest in signing Johnson and it could be interesting if Miami gets into the mix as well, making it an AFC East affair. The Dolphins were one of the most inconsistent rushing teams in the league last season, ranking 26th in the NFL and their issues on the offensive line didn't help either, as the team gave up 58 sacks and led the league in that category as well. According to ESPN.com, the Dolphins were one of the teams that were in the mix to trade for Johnson when the Titans were shopping him, with Miami, the Buffalo Bills and NY Jets looking like legit options at the time before he was released.
The Dolphins signed Moreno to help shore up the rushing game this offseason and there is a chance they could look to that position in the draft as well. The team has the number 50 overall pick and the class of players is fairly deep this season, as Carlos Hyde, Tre Mason, De'Anthony Thomas and Jeremy Hill could be available at that spot, along with names like Lache Seastrunk, Bishop Sankey and Andre Williams.
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill slumped at the end of the season for the Dolphins and part of that was due to the horrible play of the offensive line. Thomas and Miller averaged just 90 yards per game last season and adding Moreno should open things up after he put up career best numbers with the Broncos in 2013. Moreno was great out of the backfield and that could be huge for Tannehill and he also went over 1,000 yards and scored double digit touchdowns for the first time in his career.
General manager Dennis Hickey is planning on addressing the running game in the upcoming draft and with Moreno also being a strong pass blocker, the team can just go after the player they think is the best running back at the time they pick. The Bills were mentioned as a possible destination for Johnson when the Titans were looking for a trade and now that he is released, Buffalo could be in the mix to sign him. The $8 million salary Johnson had with the Titans was one reason why he couldn't be traded and now he has the chance to sign with any team in the league.
