The Miami Dolphins will test the waters on want away Indianapolis running back Jonathan Taylor according to the Miami Heralds Barry Jackson.
The Dolphins have been linked with a number of running backs this offseason, and for the last few seasons, but nothing has ever come to pass. Most recently the Dolphins were in on Dalvin Cook but apparently weren’t willing to meet his financial demands.
DOLPHINS WILL NEED TO PAY TAYLOR
Miami has shown a willingness to trade away it’s top picks in order to land the talents it wants in the last two seasons, so the fact the Colts are apparently looking for a first round pick shouldn’t be a deal breaker. However, Taylor’s contract demands could well throw a spanner in the works.
With Taylor already unhappy he hasn’t been offered a contract extension, he’s due a base salary of $4.3-million this season, Taylor’s demands may not fit well with the cap situation. Miami currently have $11.4-million in space (per spotrac).
So while Miami could fit him in this year, future years may become trickier. The Dolphins are currently, and yes there’s a lot of restructuring to come, an estimated $48 million over the cap for next year. That’s without extending Christian Wilkins and assuming Tua plays his 4th year on his rookie deal.
Christian Wilkins is currently holding-in as he wants an extension so the cap situation could certainly be a hinderance.
Given Taylor’s desire for an extension he’s likely looking in the James Conner $9.4m/y to Nick Chubb $14.8m/y region. So pretty chunky numbers.
However, Taylor will definitely lift the Dolphins hopes this season and give them a genuine number 1 back.
Taylor has 3,841 yards at 5.1 per carry and 33 touchdowns on the ground. His aggressive style would be the perfect compliment to the Dolphins speedy receivers and the combination would give opposing linebackers serious problems.
Dolphins RB Coach Eric Studesville will likely be banging the drum hard for Taylor. In his tenure with the Miami they have never had a back like Taylor, although they have tried to find one in the likes of Howard and Ballage.
For more like this, you can visit our opinion section.