All Lamar Miller wants to do is be the man. That could still happen in South Beach, but as it stands, the free agent running back may have to leave the Miami Dolphins in order to pursue his dream of being a team’s star rusher. Miller admitted recently that he’d love around 20 total touches per game and to be leaned on heavily in an offense. Of course, that type of guaranteed role means big cash and could mean he’s playing elsewhere.
So, with free agency rapidly approaching and Miller not set to be tagged by the Fins, it’s fair to wonder where else he could sign? More specifically, what other teams could look at Miller as a featured runner? Let’s take a look at five teams that make a good amount of sense:
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys learned the hard way this past season what life can be like without a reliable, top shelf running back. After saying no to DeMarco Murray in free agency a year ago, perhaps they’ll wise up and say yes to a different rusher on the market this time around. That could be Miller, who has flashed brilliance at times in Miami and can offer the home run play, as well as catch the ball effectively out of the backfield. It really comes down to whether or not Dallas sees him as a true feature back and if they are willing to pay up to get him with custom football jersey.
New York Jets
The door is open for Gang Green to make a change at running back, as last year’s starter – Chris Ivory – is likely headed elsewhere. Ivory was a strong starter in 2015, but he is routinely banged up and doesn’t offer quite the explosiveness or versatility Miller appears to. With no other locked in feature back for 2016, the Jets could look to steal a rival’s impending free agent.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans simply do not have an NFL starter at running back right now. They have spare parts and an unproven option in soon to be second-year rusher, David Cobb. None of the guys they have bring Miller’s explosive ability to the table and on sheer talent, he’d trump them all. Tennessee is said to want to become more of an “exotic smash mouth” offense, which basically means they want to be able to run the ball and play around with their weapons. Miller would allow them to do that at a very high level, putting him in play to become a Titan if they’re willing to pay up.
Arian Foster is out the door and as we saw after he went down with a torn Achilles last year, the Texans do not have much else at running back. They’ll probably draft at the position, but bringing in a proven rusher with untapped upside is another way to go. Miller is rather dynamic and in Houston’s system he could blow the hinges off and put up a career season. The big question is whether the so far frugal Texans will be willing to pay for the upgrade.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs may be the sleeper team to watch for two big reasons: Miller can likely be had for cheaper than their own free agent rusher (Doug Martin) and they don’t seem to think backup Charles Sims would be the answer. With Martin likely to make more elsewhere, the Bucs may quickly have to replace their franchise running back. Miller fits the bill as a potential answer and with the team not sold on Sims, it’s a move we’ll need to monitor.
Think one of these options is a lock or there is a better one out there? Let us know in the comments below!
