In what is probably the worst-kept secret of the offseason, the Miami Dolphins are continuing to make a strong push for a star running back, most recently targeting Josh Jacobs and Jonathan Taylor.
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According to Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network, the Dolphins made an "exploratory call" on Jacobs, but it appears the talks didn't go far as the team said they plan not to trade him.
Dolphins made an exploratory call on 2022 rushing champ Josh Jacobs but talks didn’t go far, per source. Raiders told teams they don’t plan to trade Jacobs.
Miami has some interest in elite RB trade market — Jonathan Taylor, Jacobs — but only up to a certain price, I’m told.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) August 24, 2023
Jacobs has not appeared for any offseason programs after getting hit with the franchise tag in March. He's seeking a long-term deal, and it seems that Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels isn't afraid to split carries between him and Zamir White should he return before the September 10 kick-off date.
"I think that (practice time is) important for every player," McDaniels said. "This is the National Football League, so it's not easy to go out there and just play games and do it at the speed and level that you want to do it at, unless you've really kind of had enough opportunity to get yourself ready to do that."
While the Dolphins may not get Jacobs, they also inquired about Dalvin Cook earlier this year before he landed with the New York Jets, and they're also in on Taylor from the Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts recently let their star running back and 2021 rushing leader (1,811 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns) seek a trade. They're looking for a first-round pick or multiple picks that equate to a first-rounder.
The hope is for a 1st rounder — but there are plenty of ways to get there. Multiple 2s, a boatload of picks or anything in between. https://t.co/Uut60poX5O
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 21, 2023
Right now, the Dolphins have a running back depth chart that features Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., De'Von Achane, Salvon Ahmed, Myles Gaskin, and Chris Brooks.
Achane was injured in a recent preseason game but avoided a serious injury. He's considered week-to-week.
De'Von Achane (shoulder) considered week-to-week.
— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) August 21, 2023
Of course, adding a Jacobs or Taylor would be a massive upgrade to their running back room, and they can also afford to deal Wilson Jr. or Mostert in a trade to free up some of that depth.
The Dolphins do have a first-round pick to deal for the 2024 draft, and based on their team, they could be looking to shoot for the moon this season.
However, both Jacobs and Taylor are seeking new, massive deals. According to Over The Cap, the Dolphins have more than $13.1 million in cap space, but they have upcoming expenses like interior defensive lineman Christian Wilkins to consider.
A trade for one of the players seemingly only makes sense for a one-year rental, which begs the question of what that value would be and if the Raiders or Colts would be willing to entertain that.
One thing is for sure—the Dolphins and head coach Mike McDaniel want a stud running back in that backfield to complement Tua Tagovailoa, Jaylen Waddle, and Tyreek Hill.
