The Miami Dolphins are rumored to be interested in shaking up their backfield and have been looking into acquiring top running backs, including Dalvin Cook and D’Andre Swift. General Manager Chris Grier has been performing due diligence and inquired about Swift after the Detroit Lions drafted Jahmyr Gibbs. The Dolphins’ ground game was lacking in the 2022 season, ranking 25th in rushing yards and 11th in rushing scores. They aim to become a top-flight offensive unit and are looking to add a difference-maker to their running back depth chart for the 2023 season.
In light of the recent report by recent reports, the Miami Dolphins have been invested in significantly shaking up their backfield for some time now. While there have been rumors of the Dolphins pursuing Minnesota Vikings star Dalvin Cook on the trade market, it seems that they have also been exploring other options.
Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN recently revealed that Dolphins GM Chris Grier looked into striking a deal to acquire former Detroit Lions back, D’Andre Swift, before he was ultimately sent to the Philadelphia Eagles. In light of the recent report by Louis-Jacques, s told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that Miami inquired about Swift after the Lions selected Jahmyr Gibbs in the first round of last month’s NFL draft.
The Dolphins finished the 2022 season off tied for the fourth-most passing touchdowns and tied for the ninth-most total touchdowns in the NFL, but their ground game left much to be desired. As Louis-Jacques noted in his piece, Miami finished off their latest campaign ranking 25 in rushing yards with 1,686 (seventh-fewest in the league) and ended up placing 11 in rushing scores with just 12.
Considering their aspirations of being a top-flight offensive unit with Mike McDaniels running the show, it’s no surprise to see that the front office has been looking into ways to spice up their assortment of backfield talents. The Dolphins have their sights set on adding a difference-maker type of talent to their running back depth chart heading into the 2023 season.
While nothing wound up coming to fruition with their interest in D’Andre Swift, it does suggest that the Dolphins are willing to explore all options to improve their backfield. They may still be in pursuit of Dalvin Cook, but it’s clear that they are not putting all their eggs in one basket.
The addition of a dynamic running back like Cook or Swift could make all the difference for the Dolphins’ offense. It would give them a much-needed boost in the ground game, which could open up more opportunities for their talented receiving corps.
Of course, any potential deal for Cook or Swift would likely come at a steep price. The Dolphins would need to weigh the cost of acquiring such a player against the potential benefits they could bring to the team.
To terminate, it’s clear that the Dolphins are committed to improving their backfield this offseason. Whether they end up landing Cook, Swift, or another high-caliber back remains to be seen, but it’s clear that they are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of a more dynamic ground game.