The Miami Dolphins’ efforts to upgrade their rushing attack in 2020 have already started to take form. Miami has added center Ted Karras, guard Ereck Flowers and running back Jordan Howard to the picture in free agency — and with the NFL Draft just two days away, Dolphins fans are expecting to see Miami’s investment in the ground game continue.
The Dolphins have been tied to notable running back prospects, such as JK Dobbins, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, D’Andre Swift, Jonathan Taylor and others. That, along with Miami’s presumed additions to the offensive line, will see Miami roll out a brand new experience on offense this year. But at least one sports book is anticipating that the Dolphins will make a play for yet another veteran, instead. SportsLine currently lists the Dolphins as the second best odds in the NFL to acquire Jacksonville Jaguars RB Leonard Fournette via trade.
The Bills (+300) are the favorites to land Leonard Fournette, according to our oddsmakers pic.twitter.com/UR6ac40IDd
— SportsLine (@SportsLine) April 20, 2020
Trailing only AFC East rival Buffalo, Miami is considered a strong candidate by SportsLine to make a play for Fournette. Would the move make sense? Yes and no. Fournette fits Miami’s presumed heavy hitting approach to running the football under Chan Gailey and his raw production suggests he could play a starring role in Miami’s new look offense. But Fournette, like Howard, isn’t a natural pass catcher and his addition would feel redundant after Miami’s signing of Jordan Howard in free agency. If Miami could pry Fournette away at a highly discounted rate (a Day 3 NFL Draft selection), it’s worth considering. But then again the team is also scheduled to pay Howard nearly $10M over the next two seasons — Fournette would be owed $12M in cash for whoever trades for his services over the next two years as well.
After that, Fournette is scheduled to hit free agency for the first time in his career. It’s unlikely the Dolphins would be eager to pay him a premium contract, making his addition more of a short-term investment — one a redundant one at that. If the Dolphins indeed haul Fournette via trade, consider it something of a surprise, no matter what SportsLine sets the odds at.