The Miami Dolphins have Lamar Miller, Rishard Matthews and Olivier Vernon hitting free agency this offseason and there is a chance all three of those players could be with new teams in 2016.
Miller is expected to be the top free agent running back on the market this winter, as Doug Martin is looking like he will be staying with the Buccaneers. Miller is likely going to be targeted by a number of teams in free agency and that could make him too expensive for a return to Miami. Vernon is expected to ask for big money and could sign elsewhere, while the Dolphins could let Matthews walk with DeVante Parker coming into his second season with the team.
Miller is going to be a hot target for teams on the market, as he is going to be just 25 when next season starts and does not have as much wear and tear as other running backs his age. According to James Walker at ESPN, Miller is interested in returning to Miami, but said that "scheme and fit" will be important factors in wherever he signs. Walker wrote earlier in the month that he thinks there is a "40 percent" chance that Miller comes back to Miami for next season.
Miller is going to be a target for many teams on the market, but on top of that Miami has a tight cap situation and that could also be a factor in whether the team brings Miller back. According to NFL.com, the team can restructure the contract of Ndamukong Suh to save around $20 million and the Miami Herald writes that there are potential roster cuts that can free up salary cap space. Miller is coming off of a season that saw him frustrated with his use, but with Adam Gase taking over in Miami, Miller may feel he is a better fit in that system than the one the team used last season.
The Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, New York Giants, Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns all have money to spend this offseason and could try and woo Miller. The Dolphins also have Matthews hitting the market and there is a good chance the team lets him go. Matthews had a solid season last year while stepping up with Parker injured, but Parker is expected to be fully healthy for next season and that could lead to the team letting Matthews walk. The team also has Kenny Stills coming back, while Greg Jennings could be a potential roster cut.
