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The Miami Dolphins’ strong start to formal negotiations continues after a blazing start to the league’s “legal tampering” window yesterday afternoon. The Dolphins’ primary focus in free agency to this point has been centered around the defensive side of the football, with Miami pegging DE Shaq Lawson, CB Byron Jones and LB Kyle Van Noy as prominent additions to the team. Each of the trio will command significant amounts of cash, but all also come with the promise of good scheme and locker room fits for Brian Flores’ Miami Dolphins.
The latest agreement swings back to the offensive side of the ball, with Miami targeting a veteran running back to add to their stable of rushers. Miami, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, has agreed to terms with free agent running back Jordan Howard — formerly of the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles.
Dolphins and former Eagles' RB Jordan Howard reached agreement on a two-year deal worth north of $10 million, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2020
This pending signing is a great addition for the Dolphins’ rushing attack, given their lack of both production and experience in the offensive backfield. Howard, who entered the NFL with Chicago and stormed out the gates to 3,370 rushing yards and 24 rushing touchdowns in his first three seasons, is just 25 years old and continues Miami’s youth movement through free agency. Don’t expect Howard to be the man in Miami’s backfield, but he’s likely to enter the season as the team’s leading ball carrier to start the season, with a young rookie back sprinkled into the mix as well.
Howard’s addition is further proof that the Dolphins are looking to get more physical on offense — he’s a down hill runner who punishes defenders between the tackles. That will be a breath of fresh air for Miami after a meek rushing attack in 2019 saw Ryan Fitzpatrick lead the way in rushing yards for the season.
The Dolphins’ offensive overhaul is far from finished, but the pending addition of Howard will help breathe life into Miami’s ground game for potentially the next two seasons.