3 former Miami Dolphins players who could thrive on new teams

Former Miami Dolphins player #2: Duke Johnson

The rushing attack for the Miami Dolphins in 2021 was pathetic, at least for the first three quarters of the season. It wasn’t until the team brought on a couple of new faces later in the year that the unit stepped their game up. Along with Phillip Lindsay, the other running back that was brought on was Duke Johnson, who ended up having two of the best days of any Dolphins’ running back all season.

Johnson made his Dolphins’ debut in Week 11, but he only received four touches. But in a Week 15 game against the New York Jets, Johnson rushed for 107 yards and 2 touchdowns, the first time a Miami running back had eclipsed 100 yards all season. Three weeks later in the season finale, he put up 117 yards and another score.

Unfortunately for Dolphins fans, the hometown hero’s time in Miami was short, and he’ll move on to play for the Buffalo Bills in 2022.

Johnson may have some trouble getting any legitimate amount of touches however, given his position on the depth chart. The Bills currently have six running backs on their roster, a number which will certainly be trimmed down by the end of training camp. Johnson should survive final cuts and make the active roster, but he might be the third or fourth back listed. And unless there is an injury to Devin Singletary or James Cook, his opportunities could be limited.

But Johnson proved last season that there is still some juice in the tank, and he parlayed that in to securing a contract in Buffalo. The Bills must still think he is capable of being a big-time back, and it wouldn’t surprise many people in Miami to see him put up big numbers like he did at the end of 2021.