Top 10 2016 NFL free agency running backs

The Miami Dolphins have to make a decision on Lamar Miller ahead of the 2016 NFL free agency period. If Miller leaves the Dolphins will need to replace him.

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Lamar Miller is a key to Miami’s off-season. Letting him walk via free agency gives the Dolphins another hole to fill on offense. Miami has high expectations for last years rookie Jay Ajayi but they can’t rely on him just yet to be the workhorse runner in their offense.

With only Damien Williams returning to the team Miami will need to seek another option if they lose Miller and that means we could see them spend some of their money in free agency on the position. With Miller seeking around $5 million per year and the Dolphins likely hoping to stay around $4 million, it could get interesting when free agency kicks off although I doubt Miami will target a running back early.

Here are ten free agent running backs that could interest the Dolphins. Top dollar runners are omitted.

Matt Forte – Chicago. Forte is well known to Dolphins head coach Adam Gase from his time in Chicago. He is not the runner he used to be but is still very capable of carrying a large workload for his next team.

Joique Bell – Detroit. Bell has been phased out in Detroit and is accostomed to splitting reps with another running back. Bell would give the Dolphins a capable back-up to Ajayi.

James Starks – Green Bay. Starks has had really good games and some that weren’t so good. Yet most of the time he has run hard and has shown that he can be a complimentary running back to a starter.

Alfred Morris – Redskins. Morris has had an interesting career in Washington. He has been the star and the back-up and the back-up to a back-up. When healthy, Morris can tear up a field and Miami could look to add him as a compliment to Ajayi.

Bobby Rainey – Tampa Bay. Rainey had a solid season two years ago but hasn’t impressed his new coaching staff and looks to be heading to free agency. Rainey is a runner who gets better with more reps and is capable in the passing game as well.

Stevan Ridley – NYJ. Ridley was once the go-to back in New England but the Patriots believed he was expendable and let him go. With the Jets, Ridley spent most of his time injured and backing up starter Chris Ivory. Ridley is not a starter anymore but could give the Dolphins a suitable weapon behind Ajayi.

Ronnie Hillman – Denver. Hillman’s career has taken him from back-up to starter and back and forth again. He has the tools to be good but is inconsistent. He is not a runner who is going to get bulk carries but is an option for depth.

Charcandrick West – K.C. When the Chiefs running backs were hit with injury, West stepped in and played well as a platoon back. In Miami he could see more playing time and opportunity to grow as an NFL runner.

Shaun Draughn – SF. Draughn is a power back with good hands and runs strong. He is still young and could develop into a starter for many teams but right now he is likely looking at a split carry role which is what Miami needs.

Orleans Darkwa – NYG. Two years ago the Dolphins had Darkwa on their roster but couldn’t get him on the field. With the Giants, Darkwa ran strong when given the opportunity and a return would give Miami a capable back-up to Ajayi.