NFL writer links Dolphins to Pro Bowl RB
With as many hits as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa took this season, it can be argued that the best thing the Miami Dolphins can do for him next season is provide him with a strong running game.
And with Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr. and Myles Gaskin all set to hit free agency, Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport predicts the Dolphins to land Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowl running back Miles Sanders.
“Miami has plenty of passing-game weapons, but the run game ranked 25th in the league, averaging just 99.2 yards per game,” Davenport wrote. “With more balance, the Dolphins offense could be that much more dangerous. An every-down role for a playoff team would be an ideal spot for Sanders to begin the next stage of his career.”
Although he was Philly’s leading rusher in 12 of its 17 regular season games, Sanders was used less down the stretch and into the postseason. He had just seven carries for 16 yards in the Super Bowl, and 23-year-old Kenneth Gainwell led the Eagles in rushing in their two playoff wins.
Sanders enjoyed a breakout 2022 season after three straight years with 750 yards or more. He compiled 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns, becoming the first Eagles running back since LeSean McCoy in 2014 to break the 1,000-yard plateau.
Mostert was Miami’s only back with more than 400 yards rushing, and no Dolphins runner had more than three touchdowns. In fact, Miami hasn’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since Lamar Miller ran for 1,099 yards in 2014.
Sanders has a projected market value of $7.2 million per year, according to Spotrac. Davenport projects Miami to offer Sanders a three-year, $23.5 million contract with $13 million guaranteed.
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