Lamar Miller was the Miami Dolphins starting running back for the majority of the 2014 season after Knowshon Moreno went down with injury, and he showed his worth. Miami did bring in Boise State running back Jay Ajayi in the 2015 NFL Draft, but Miller is still without question the number one running back at this point in time.
According to a report from the Miami Herald, the Dolphins and Miller have had preliminary extension talks this offseason.
During the 2014 season with the Dolphins, Miller ended up rushing for 1,099 yards and eight touchdowns on 216 carries. They may not be superstar numbers, but anytime a player can rush for 1,000 or more yards they are valuable to their team. Miller would have put up even bigger numbers if he had started the season off as the number one back, and that will be the case this season.
At 24 years old, Miller is entering the prime of his career this season with three seasons of experience under his belt. He has displayed excellent athleticism and speed, and also has the toughness and strength to pick up short yardage. Ajayi will likely step in as the short yardage running back this season, but Miller is still a capable every down running back.
Needless to say, locking him up as soon as possible would be the right move for the Dolphins. He has a bright future ahead of him, and paying him what he’s asking for now could be a bargain after the next couple of seasons. Miami has built a much improved team, and they are strongly expecting to make a legitimate run at a playoff spot in the AFC this season.
Ryan Tannehill has improved a lot and is looking like a legitimate franchise quarterback. As both Tannehill and Miller continue to grow alongside of each other, the Dolphins’ offense will simply continue getting better.
Expect to see both sides continue extension talks and don’t be surprised if something gets done. Miller is without question in the Dolphins’ long-term plans, and he will want to get some sort of longer deal in place for job security. As it currently stands, Miller is playing in the final year of his contract that will pay him just $1.5 million.
Miami is going to have to give up some money to keep him around long-term, but they are likely more than willing to do that. They are finally beginning to turn their franchise around, and they won’t allow their starting running back to get away. Miller is more than deserving of a new deal, and his payday is coming sooner rather than later.
