Phin Phanatic
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Miami Dolphins: Free Agent running backs to target this offseason

By Pablo Rosero

Oct 24, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) reaches for Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) reaches for Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) celebrates after scoring a rushing touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the fourth quarter at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Chow-Arizona RepublicNfl Los Angeles Rams At Arizona Cardinals
Dec 13, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) celebrates after scoring a rushing touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the fourth quarter at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Chow-Arizona RepublicNfl Los Angeles Rams At Arizona Cardinals /

Pittsburgh. JamesConner. 6. Pick Analysis. RB. player. 32. Scouting Report

Of all the running backs on this list, James Conner is the most unlikely to hit free agency. In his first year with the Arizona Cardinals, Conner has absolutely broken out and found his 2018 form.

Hitting free agency for the first time in his career, many believed he was set to become a backup after not producing as well as he had in 2018, the season he took over during Le’Veon Bell’s holdout. This notion was pushed even further after he signed with Arizona, as Chase Edmonds was expected to take over the starting job after the departure of Kenyan Drake.

The Cardinals instead relied on Conner heavily in the red zone and he would eventually take over while Edmonds was out with injury.

In 2021 he is set to return to the Pro Bowl for the first time since 2018. He’s done so by essentially being the catalyst for the Cardinals’ offense.

With the team being hampered by injury, Conner stepped up putting together 700 rushing yards for 14 rushing touchdowns and 334 receiving yards for two receiving touchdowns. His 16 touchdowns are a career-high for the running back from Pitt.

If Conner does become available, the Dolphins should be sprinting to the phone. The Dolphins currently lack a power back who can score at the goal line and make game-changing plays, such as this one-handed catch against Chicago.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1467569704797564934

However, it’s hard to imagine the Cardinals letting Conner walk after a career season in the desert.

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