A decision on Tua among things on Miami Dolphins to-do list

Solidify the running back position

When Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel got the job last offseason, he seemed to want to create the ecosystem he grew accustomed to in San Francisco down in Miami. One way he did so was by bringing in two former 49ers running backs, Raheem Mostert via free agency and Jeff Wilson Jr. at the trade deadline.

When both were healthy, they presented a solid one-two punch from the backfield that was perfect for the offense McDaniel wanted to run. In 16 games, Mostert rushed for 891 yards and three touchdowns and averaged 4.9 yards per carry. In the eight games Wilson played after the trade, he rushed for 392 yards and three touchdowns and averaged 4.7 yards per carry.

The smart move would be to bring them both back on short-term, low-risk contracts. If McDaniel learned anything from mentor Kyle Shanahan, he understands the importance of finding value in the running back position.

If the Dolphins decide to go in another direction, there are plenty of options in the free-agent market. The headliner is New York Giants back Saquon Barkley, but signing him seems unlikely given the Giants’ current postseason run and his long injury history. Other names include Cleveland’s Kareem Hunt, Detroit’s Jamaal Williams, and Las Vegas’ Josh Jacobs.

If McDaniel wants to further emulate his former master, he’ll go bargain-hunting for quality running backs late in the draft or in the undrafted free agent market. Both Mostert and Wilson were undrafted coming out of college, with Mostert playing for four different teams before finding a home in San Francisco. Running back is a position where you want to find the most production with the most value, something McDaniel surely knows.