Dolphins likely to pursue C.J. Anderson if cut by Denver

The Miami Dolphins offered C.J. Anderson a contract two off-seasons ago but the Broncos matched the deal to keep him in Denver. Now he appears to be on the way out.

According to a report by Jeff Legwold of ESPN, the Broncos will try to trade the runner or outright cut him. This is not really a big surprise as the Broncos have been rumored to be ready to move on from Anderson to go with a younger back-field.

Anderson has two years remaining on his contract but if released or traded he would cost the Broncos nothing in dead cap space. Last season Anderson rushed for his first 1,000 yard season but he was critical of the firing of running backs coach Eric Studesville who is now with the Miami Dolphins.

There has been a lot of talk about the Broncos moving on from Anderson even before the season ended but with Studesville now gone the Broncos could be parting ways with the runner soon.

Anderson would be a natural fit for the Dolphins and if he is indeed released he would become a free agent immediately. Adam Gase would likely get him locked down quickly and he would be an excellent compliment to Kenyan Drake.

More from Dolphins Free Agency

• Miami Dolphins defensive free agent upgrades and downgrades
• Dolphins climb into top 10 in post-free agency power rankings
• Miami Dolphins free agency a successful whimper rather than a failed roar
• Ranking Miami Dolphins most impactful free agent signings of 2023
• 5 prominent former Miami Dolphins still on the NFL FA scrap heap

Over his career, Anderson has rushed for 3,051 yards on 693 carries and has been a very solid receiver out of the back-field. Anderson is also good at picking up the blitz when held in. The fact Miami flirted with Anderson only two seasons ago and the fact they traded Jay Ajayi last season the team is thin at running back.

By signing Anderson the Dolphins could eliminate a need during the draft but it would be smart of the team to draft another mid-round talent to develop like they have done with Ajayi, Lamar Miller, and Drake.

When the Broncos would make this move isn’t known but with the start of free agency now one month away, it could be sooner rather than later. It will be something to watch when he is released and whether Miami shows immediate interest in him or if he tests the market first. Miami could also trade for him but it’s unlikely they will part with draft picks. Then again, Mike Tannenbaum has never had a problem with trading draft picks. Keep an eye on this in the coming days and weeks.