Miami flirted with the prospect of bringing in running back C.J. Anderson back in 2016 when they signed the then restricted free agent to four-year, $18 million offer sheet. The Broncos subsequently matched the deal sending him back to Denver.
The Broncos released Anderson on Monday after up-and-down performances the last two seasons.
Anderson, 27, rushed for a meager 437 yards in 2016 as a knee injury limited his participation to just seven games. In 2017, the 5-foot-8 224 running back rumbled his way to 1,007 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 4.1 yards per carry.
The intrigue with Anderson lies in the fact that he has experience with the Dolphins’ scheme and coaching staff. Gase was the Broncos’ offensive coordinator in 2013-2014 while Dolphins’ newly minted running backs coach Eric Studesville functioned in the same capacity in Denver from 2013-2016.
As a result of his time in Denver, Anderson is familiar with running outside zone, which is a staple of Gase’s offense. Inserting Anderson into the lineup would be plug-and-play for the six-year veteran. However, shouldn’t Miami look for a more dynamic player to compliment Kenyan Drake?
Miami has already signed 14-year veteran running back Frank Gore and would be best served finding a young running back to pair with Drake for years to come.
The Dolphins should resist the urge to sign familiar faces for the sake of familiarity and begin stockpiling and developing young talent.
If Miami is insistent on adding another quality running back to the roster, the 2018 NFL draft is not short on talent at the position.
Running backs such as Rashaad Penny (San Diego St.), Sony Michel (Georgia), Ronald Jones II (USC), Kalen Ballage (Arizona State), Ryan Nall (Oregon State), would all be fits in Miami’s offense.
