The Miami Dolphins are trying to build the best team around quarterback Ryan Tannehill in order to get him to make the jump to elite in the coming seasons. With new head coach Adam Gase in place, the quarterback play and the offense as a whole will be a priority as the team has to deal with several free agents set to hit the market. The most important might be Lamar Miller who is ready to command a lot of money in the offseason.
Miller proved in 2015 that he can be a workhorse back. When he was used in the offense, Tannehill played better. The running back started all 16 games last year and put up 872 yards and eight touchdowns. According to Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald, he is expected to be able to command a contract of upwards of $5 million per season. Miller could ink a deal similar to the five-year, $40 million deal DeMarco Murray signed with the Eagles last season. According to Beasley, the Dolphins might be willing to give him that.
The Dolphins have not said whether or not Miller is returning while the running back has maintained that he is looking more for a good fit than a contract pay out. Miller was vocal about not be used as much as he would have liked last year and that could play a major role in whether or not he comes back. The Dolphins do have Jay Ajayi in the backfield for next season, but he did not show enough to be fully relied upon. Miami needs a workhorse in the backfield.
If Miller departs, who could fill his shoes? According to ESPN.com, Forte would be a good fit. The running back is not returning to the Chicago Bears. He could be a solid fit for the Dolphins. If Ajayi is the long-term plan for the run game, bringing Forte in a two or three-year deal might be a good idea for the Dolphins. That gives Ajayi a chance to develop while Forte finishes out his career. The issue is that Forte will not come cheap. The Dolphins lack the salary cap space to give him the contract he will command.
There are other options and cheaper options on the market. The team could look at rushers like Bilal Powell, James Starks or Ronnie Hillman. All three running backs have been backups and starters. They could be favored to pair with Ajayi. The Dolphins cannot afford to overlook the run game. Tannehill will not survive if he does not have quality running backs behind him.
