Although the Dolphins were not closely linked to Austin Ekeler this offseason, they were in on just about everyone else of note in trades. Nothing transpired, with Miami opting to retain its top 2022 running backs and turn to the draft to round out the group. But the team is again looking around at the position.
With the trade deadline now less than 48 hours away, the Dolphins are still being mentioned (via The Athletic’s Dianna Russini) as a team looking into running backs. The Ravens join them, per Russini. Both teams head into deadline week at 6-2, positioned as AFC contenders and clear buyers.
This update comes after Mike McDaniel indicated he was “very, very comfortable” with his roster and that GM Chris Grier has not come to him with proposals. The two Miami bigwigs will likely huddle up this week, with the team’s first Super Bowl berth since 1984 looming as an attainable goal.
The Dolphins pursued Jonathan Taylor and Dalvin Cook this summer, and they are believed to have at least asked the Giants on Saquon Barkley. When the season began, however, the team trotted out a Raheem Mostert–De’Von Achane duo. Jeff Wilson is now back off IR, though Achane — following an explosive multiweek spurt — is on IR with a knee injury. Achane’s injury could be why the Dolphins are again being mentioned in trades. Wilson and Mostert both have notable injury histories, with the latter now in his age-31 season. Mostert has remained healthy since signing with Miami, but he missed almost all of the 2021 season — McDaniel’s last in San Francisco.
When considering the NFL’s rushing hierarchy coming into Week 8, these teams being interested in backfield augmentations does appear a bit strange. The Dolphins and Ravens came into the week first and second in rushing. Sunday, Gus Edwards also scored three touchdowns in another Ravens win. Justice Hill resides as Baltimore’s top backup, with rookie Keaton Mitchell debuting recently as well. Though, the speedy first-year back has not been a ground-game factor just yet.
Baltimore did lose J.K. Dobbins to another season-ending injury and was mentioned this week in being a potential Derrick Henry suitor. But the Titans have let Henry know they do not plan to trade him, taking a key piece off the board. Ditto Barkley, who has received assurances the Giants will keep him through season’s end. Though, with the Giants at 2-6, nothing should be considered final on that front until 3pm CT Tuesday. While Cook is available, his showing to date would not stand to make him especially appealing. As such, teams are not believed to be calling the Jets on him.