https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.c...mutual-interest-between-dolphins-aaron-jones/ I hope this is not true.Perfer not to spend limited cap space on a Rb. Drafting one is cheaper option.
God I hope not. Probably bored journalists trying to generate traffic to their site. Just stupid to drop $14+mm on a RB in their late 20’s. Would rather draft one in the 2nd-4th round and spend some money on a FA WR.
I sure hope they don't pay big bucks for a FA RB when they have the picks to get a younger cheaper RB in the draft.
Personally, I think the days of a "feature back" is almost over in the NFL. Not that the true studs don't have long career paths, but I look back at so many great RB's we've had and moved on from without a serious talent gap in the "next guy up". We did have some problems running the ball the past few seasons but that's also due to the team as a whole and the building of an offensive line. Plain and simple, if the line does their job then any NFL-level RB should be able to hit the hole and grind out 3-4 yards on average. The great RB's may be a little more consistent making a cut and finding some daylight, but I don't believe they're worth paying for unless they're the final piece in the puzzle. But then again, even elite RB's are like cars...high mileage does make a difference. That's why it makes more sense to me to continue drafting solid prospects, let them play out most of their rookie contract while bringing in new faces every season. I see Harris and Etienne coming out this season as instant upgrades and either one could be worth a contract extension in 4-5 years; that would be my immediate focus given the salary cap challenges for this coming season.
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, when Jones hits the market the Miami Dolphins will be one of the teams pursuing him. The report says the interest is mutual with Jones with the Dolphins among the teams he’d consider signing with this offseason The Dolphins had five different runners start in the backfield last season with Myles Gaskin being the most productive. Gaskin had 584 yards and three touchdowns on 142 carries last year. Gaskin also caught 41 passes for 388 yards and two touchdowns. Salvon Ahmed was second on the team with 319 yards and three touchdowns on 75 carries. Jones is coming off a second straight 1,000-yard season in Green Bay with a career-best 1,104 yards in 2020. A productive rushing attack could be a nice boost for Tua Tagovailoa as he enters his second season in the NFL as the team’s presumptive full-time starter. Gaskin had a nice season for Miami but Jones would be a significant addition to the backfield.
I think free agents are going to have some sticker shock this year. With the CAP where it's at, not everyone who is thinking they're going to "break the bank", are going to get the contracts they think they will. The key for FA"s will be signing quickly as the $ pool is going to dry up pretty quickly. I think were going to be able to get some upgrades cheaper than usual. I'm hoping that with Flo's habit of keeping up on free agents and the research he does, he might be able to find some lower priced gems. Especially later in free agency.
Jones is the real deal RB and would be by far our offenses greatest weapon. Some misconceptions folks have about him - -He is not in his late 20's. He's 26 - Absolute Pro Bowler with upfield gift. Nobody gets vertical like he does on this roster - Blazing fast - Not as big as people tend to think. He is only 5'8 205 - RB's aren't expensive if they keep your defense off the field and win you games. Jones will do that for us. - We'd still need to Draft a Bigger RB like Harris or Williams.
He’s 26 and RB’s in their late 20’s just don’t last(ie the last 2 years of his contract). Not to mention, to keyfins point, the days of the feature back and winning championships is gone. You’re better off with a running back committee and not overpaying for a guy like Jones.
Nothing about signing Jones means you don't still use more than one back. We'd still need a big back in the draft or FA.
Generally not in favor of paying RBs, but with a rookie salary QB it's doable - contract likely would be structured so he would be coming off the books at the same time Tua, Jackson, etc are looking to get paid. He would provide a huge and immediate upgrade to the running game. And not just moving up and down the field, but in goal to go situations he has a nose for the end zone that we were severely lacking in last year. If Grier and Flores are balky about spending a high pick on Najee Harris (because they prefer, say, a top LB or a C at 18) then I can see Jones being a target. A RB upgrade is a must, and there are worse ideas than locking down a really talented guy like Jones.