Dolphins' continued self-contradiction sending a bad message to RBs

Miami Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Dolphins' continued self-contradiction not sending a good message to running backs

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 8/24/23

It was one week ago to the day that Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters he was pleased with the team’s current collection of running backs after missing out on free agent Dalvin Cook.

"I'm very happy with our running back group," he said at the time. "There's been a ton of development since camp started for already talented guys that I very much believe in. So overall, I'm really pumped with the running back group.”

But since that statement, the Dolphins have reportedly reached out to both the Indianapolis Colts and Las Vegas Raiders about possibly trading for Jonathan Taylor and Josh Jacobs, respectively.

The #Dolphins inquired about trading for #Raiders RB Josh Jacobs but were told he is not available, per @VicTafur. Jacobs is yet to sign his franchise tag and remains away from the team.

Meanwhile, the Dolphins have not hidden the fact that they are open to adding a star RB.… pic.twitter.com/isWZAL0MHI
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 24, 2023

So, what gives?

If the Dolphins are, indeed, fine with the combination of Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., Myles Gaskin and rookie Devon Achane, there would be no need to look elsewhere.

Sure, the Raiders stated they don’t plan on trading Jacobs at any point. And yes, the Colts likely asking for a first-round pick in exchange for Taylor presumably takes Miami out of the running after two straight years without a first-rounder.

However, talking out of both sides of its mouth is not a good look for the organization and it sends a less-than-encouraging message to the running backs currently on the roster – one that tells all four players they are essentially placeholders until a better option comes along.

It’s also an approach that could come back to bite the Dolphins next offseason, when several premier RBs including Jacobs, Taylor, Cook, Tony Pollard, Saquon Barkley, Austin Ekeler and Derrick Henry could hit the open market, making it more difficult to convince any one of them to join a team known for its wandering eye.

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