The Miami Dolphins did well to re-sign running backs Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. Dating back to their days together with head coach Mike McDaniel in San Francisco, the pair have continued to contribute at a high clip.
This doesn’t mean that general manager Chris Grier didn’t kick the tires on a potential upgrade earlier in the offseason.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported recently that Miami put in an inquiry on Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook when it seemed that the Pro Bowler was available in trade talks.
While Cook could still very well be had, Miami’s decision to re-sign Mostert and Wilson Jr. pretty much puts an end to their pursuit of the Vikings’ ball carrier.
Miami was able to retain Mostert and Wilson Jr. for a combined $5.8 million annually while Cook earns an average of $12.6 million on his current deal with Minnesota. From both a production and value standpoint, it made perfect sense.
Related: Miami Dolphins 2023 NFL free agency grade
Miami Dolphins running back situation coming into focus
With Miami’s top-two backs from a season ago returning, attention turns to how things will look like behind them. The Dolphins also re-signed Salvon Ahmed and have Myles Gaskin on the roster. One will likely be the odd-man out should the Dolphins, as expected, add a running back in the 2023 NFL Draft.
- Raheem Mostert stats (2022): 891 rushing yards, 4.9 average, 32 receptions, 202 yards, 1,093 total yards, 5 TD
- Jeff Wilson Jr. stats (2022): 860 rushing yards, 4.9 average, 22 receptions, 185 yards, 1,045 total yards, 6 TD
As you can see, this two-headed running back monster can produce at a high level when called upon. This doesn’t mean that finding more talent behind quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the backfield won’t be in the cards.
Despite not having a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins could still use one of their four selections on a running back. As we saw during McDaniel’s days with the San Francisco 49ers, there can’t be enough running backs getting touches in his offense.
As for Dalvin Cook and his situation with the Minnesota Vikings, the four-time Pro Bowler is set to count a whopping $14.10 million against the cap in 2023. Cook has yet to restructure his contract.
This is no small thing given that Minnesota has been in cost-cutting mode all offseason and just recently re-signed fellow running back Alexander Mattison to a two-year, $7 million contract. Simply put, Cook could still be dealt. It just won’t be to the Miami Dolphins.