Will Miami Go With Forte or Miller?

The start of the free agency period is officially only 3 weeks away. Miami still has holes to fill and players to re-sign and to cut, which will consist of a bull rush of activity in the next few weeks. It’s true that Miami will not be as big a spenders as they were in past years, however, they have quite a few bloated contracts that they can, and will, part ways with. The rough sum total of those cuts is calculated at as much as $40 million dollars.

One of the Dolphins’ biggest decisions is going to be what they decide to do at the running back position? Lamar Miller, Miami native, who played at the University of Miami, and was drafted and played his entire NFL career with the Miami Dolphins, is set to hit the free-agency market. In addition, he has quietly improved each year and is truly a three-down back, who some of the best pay per head reviews would say is easily one of the top 10 running backs in the entire league. Miller has plenty left in the tank considering that the last coaching regime barely feeds him the rock with an average of 12 carries a game. However, Miller always made the most of his limited touches, and when he was given more touches in a game, his impact was felt, and the Dolphins won more games. For me, that is the biggest reason to re-sign Miller. When he was made the focal point of the offense, the Dolphins won football games. Those are the types of players that need to be kept on your football team and built around.

Rumors are cropping up that the organization does realize the value of Miller, and they are prepared to make a strong push to keep Miller in Miami. Just as an example of how easily they can afford it, Jordan Cameron has a $9.5 million dollar salary cap figure in 2016 with $2 million in dead cap money, which means if Miami parts ways with Cameron then they will save $7.5 million against the cap. Miller is far more valuable to this team than Cameron, and $7.5 million is more than enough to afford to re-sign Miller. So just in this scenario, Miami should have a little problem on its end to keep Miller. Who would you rather have on the squad, Cameron or Miller?

Another option for Miami that is being tossed around is that Miami could pass on re-signing Miller and sign Matt Forte. Clearly this idea has been given leg because new head coach Adam Gase was the offensive coordinator in Chicago, and Forte had a good relationship with him their last season. Forte would also be a cheaper option compared to Miller. However, Forte is 30, the poisonous age for running backs, and last season statistically was his worst season as a pro. Sure Forte would be a good fit for Gase’s offense, but Miller is only 24 years old and entering the prime of his career. I for one would rather pay a bit more for Miller, who has much more left in the tank and should be rewarded for his hard work and dedication to the team.

As I have stated before, for me Miller is the most important unrestricted free agent Miami has. Yes even more than Vernon, because Miller has shown that if he is the focal point of an offensive game plan, that he can carry the offense, and team on his back, and greatly help us win football games. At this point, it can be argued that Miller has won us more football games than our QB Ryan Tannehill. Also, resigning Miller won’t break the bank and it will go a long way towards giving Tannehill an accurate evaluation. And with 2016 being all about Tannehill’s future with the Dolphins, Miller is a key to getting the correct answer to that question. Go Fins!!!

www.AcePerHead.com is the pay per head industry’s No. 1 service provider. We offer a wide range of free bookie software services, all bundled together into one great price, $10 per player per week. If you want to jump in and start using the best sportsbook software, sign up for a free trial with us today. You’ll get the chance to see why so many bookies are already using Ace’s best pay per head software to make more money as a bookie.

So if you would like to start your own bookie business give Ace Per Head a call at 1-800-909-5193 and get set today up with one of the top-rated and cheapest pay per head services in the business.

21 comments

  • Steve

    Players that will impact the Dolphins the most in 1st round by trading back a little for more picks Ezekiel Elliot RB. Henry was the Heisman Trophy winner but Ezekiel is about 40 picks above him?????

  • Dunner

    Vernon stays, all the other players gone. Not saying that is going to happen, but WOW how that could be an interesting change, able to target few CBs, a Guard and help yourself with Vernon and Shelby all via free agency and draft your LBer in 1 and grab a center in the 2nd such as a Nick Martin of N.D. to replace Pouncey. These high price players have not lived up to the price, you could do worse, after all 2 of the players were 2015 pro bowlers. I really don’t think there would much of a lose on the field as well. Somethings got to give.

    Opportunity is there…..

    • admin

      From what I read – although what you read isn’t always what is – Dolphins are 9 mill under the cap. Wake restructure, Suh restructure and cuts still offer cap space. Vernon will be 15 mill in tag and a little less in a contract but with more guaranteed. That means they need 6 mill more plus another 6-10 or so for rookies without signing another FA if they sign him….hhmm, not sure it’s a possibility unless they go full tilt and cut all the extra fat The seeming extension of Wake might speel a move on from Vernon. The only way I see it is if they view several of the young players on the roster as starters – it will be interesting. But, Suh and Vernon would be 34 million together per season and that seems a bit high. I think Suh is the center piece and they will build around him…but, it’s all guess work. I though think team concept should be stressed and cap “leaness” essential rather than studs surrounded by duds.

  • Dunner

    Just heard an interesting piece via Sirius NFL Radio; The top 10 players contracts for our MIAMI DOLPHINS takes up a league LEADING 72% of our total cap. 72%, ten players, the league average is 55%, the low, our upstate opponents Jaguars are at 33%. Wow has our previous management teams/coaches really put this team in a tough situation. I guess if the Suh and Wake deals are re-done that number would be lowered. Either way, the arrow for this current staff/coaches only points up, because there is only one direction to go. Isn’t there?

    • admin

      Great stat. Pouncy 10 mill, Grimes 10 mil, Misi 5mill, Jennings 4mill are just of the grossly over priced players…cap is shot and it’s one reason why I dont see Vernon returning. Thanks great info.

  • phinfreak

    Miller, Si.
    Forte, No.

  • Steve

    I have checked the player for 1st to about 12th pick in the 1st round and the only players that will impact the Dolphins Franchise is Elliot.

    The Dolphins have Bolo d there 1st round for years.

    Any one else I would trade out for more picks.

    1st round -8th picked Ezekiel Elliot RB Maybe taken by Dallas then trade out
    for OT later round

    2nd round -40th picked Cody White Hair Kansas State OG, Vada Alexander LSA OG

    3rd round-71st picked Artic Burns CB Miami, Christian Hackenberg QB, Nick Martin Center

    4th round-103th picked Tyler Matakevich ILB Temple, Alex Collins Arkansas R/B, Tyler Matakevish ILB Temple

    5th round–135th picked Deiondre’ Hall CB Northern Iowa, Cardale Jones QB Ohio State, Antonio Morrison ILB Florida

    6th round-166th picked Travis Feeney OLB Washington

    7th round———–193th picked Taveze Calhoun Missippi State CB, Deiondre’
    Hall CB Northern Iowa

    The players listed above are all D one starters.

    7th rounder’s may not be drafted
    ********There are two giant offensive tackles that everyone needs to have on their watch list as possible starting bookends at the next level. The first is Keith Lumpkin of Rutgers, who measured in at over 6’7″ and 327 pounds, and the second is Stephane Nembot, who almost hit 6’7″ and 318 pounds.

  • Steve

    Okay Fin Fans

    Running back Jeremy Langford from Michigan was drafted 4th round 2014 by the bears he is the reasons Forte is on the market now. Langford was on my draft list for the Dolphins to pick also. Nothing against Forte he is a class act and has a few more good years for some body. Management clearly chooses Tannehill over Miller so what!!! A repeat of last season if Ross says play more Tanny.

    I think that the Fans, Coaches Management have become use to mediocre from the Dolphins. Cannot see that Ezekiel Elliott will take us to the promise land ( Dallas @ pick 4 and the giant at pick 10 are strongly considering Elliott. And the Dolphins are confused like always. Has anyone thought why he is rank # 1 over a Heisman winner Henry in the second round

    Rank Player Pos. Pos. Rank School Class Ht. Wt. Proj Round

    13 *Ezekiel Elliott RB 1 Ohio State Jr 6-0 225 1

    39 *Derrick Henry RB 2 Alabama Jr 6-2 242 1-2

    59 *Alex Collins RB 3 Arkansas Jr 5-11 218 2

    If Dallas go with Elliot I would like for us to take Alex Collins to start with Dolphins easy. Alex can be an extra pick.

    • admin

      My thing with Ezekiel so far is he had alot of big holes in what I was watching. I did like how he held the ball high and tight – always, and his hand game is darn good. The only thing is I am still not seeing alot of work in tight situations and at the next level his speed game won’t be nearly as good. I am still working out my opinion of his game and if you have any vids that you deem notable I’d love to look at him. Henry reminds me of a faster McFaddin. I generally don’t like thin legged and high cut backs. I see him as a risk at the next level -but I am prejudicial on his physical makeup. I am inclined to Ricky – Barry – Payton – Emmit builds. Thanks again –

  • Ralph

    A trade back is almost a certainty given our vast needs for players
    I think we trade back to 10 and pick up an extra third rounder
    If we go past ten then we don’t get our stud linebacker so if the FO thinks there is another linebacker in the high teens we then trade again and pick up an extra pick maybe a second rounder if we go into the 20 range
    This gives us more bodies and boy do we need them this year
    The Suh contract in my opinion has been a mistake and will hinder our CAP for a couple of years
    We can get a running back in the 4 th or 5th round cannot pay Miller. We can use that money to get an experienced player in free agency ( Guard, linebacker, or corner) I think guard is the cheapest option of the 3 and a terrible need for us
    I cannot see us paying big bucks to Miller
    Too many RB’s in draft

    • admin

      Your trade back was concept was in an article i read that said Miami will move back to 10. I am liking it more and more, although I also like going back farther and getting Whithair. I like him for the need and the fact he is almost a sure thing. I like the trade back farther also because we’d get a higher return pic…BUT lastly, because something Lemmus said and I have been reading about is the Jordan wildcard playing at the SLB and Vigil making it in the middle. Both are uncertainties, but it’s what the staff sees is what counts. Although, I find myself intrigued by the possibilities and what their success could mean to this franchise and this draft. I still like Suh despite the contract as that is the going rate (okay alittle more) for such a talent. I think fans opinion with change dramatically, but I am a homer when it comes to him, being a fan of his long before he came to Miami. Last, yeah competent backs can be found late for sure.

  • Dunner

    Thats just it. The RB position will not directly affect the draft. Don’t get me wrong, should Miami pass on Miller they will be drafting a RB on day 3. Should Miami pass on Vernon, they very well could/should draft a DE at the #8 spot, should they re-sign OV, they very well could/should draft the top LBer/CB on the board at the #8 spot. So for me, with all the variables involved, OV is the most important UFA for Miami.

    The Forte rumor does make sense for a few reasons. First off, Forte will be reunited with his former OC. So, basically it will be how Gase feels about Forte. Secondly, I don’t think the age (30) factor would be a big concern because Miami does have Ajayi. A Forte/Ajayi combo could work very well, keeping the both of them fresh and healthy. The same could be said about a Miller/Ajayi combo. Again, it comes down to how Gase feels about Forte and/or how Gase views Miller and his potential. Potential is not the question w Forte, he has been a game changer throughout, does he still have a few years left?

    I am a huge believer in signing your own, and Miller is our own. However, a lose at the RB position through free agency can be recovered much much easier than a lose at the DE position, especially when Miami needs to concentrate on the defensive side of the ball (outside of guards).

    • admin

      Agree nearly 100% – don’t feel bad, I don’t agree with myself 100% of the time. Only a few tidbit makes me THINK (GUESS) that RB will be of higher value than you or I see it. Gase has stated this year he will focus on the O – his teams have a tendency to be very RB centered. Now, in his big picture does he view Ajayi / Forte = given a shorter long term commitment and cheaper cost? Not sure, I kinda’ get the feel he is very high on Miller and that Miller see he will be used with Gase. Again, it’s all conjecture and I’d rather see Miller go and have Ose if that’s what it took. Vernon in a vacuum is a must have – BUT, he just might be priced out. It’s all a guessing game, but that’s fun to me.

      • Steve

        Admin

        Study the tapes Ezekiel unlike our running backs, He has gifted vision fining the open holes. Once in the secondary rarely no one has the speed to catch him.

        Henry and Collins has gifted vision just Ezekiel is faster. Some of us are tired of hearing the dolphins excuses every year.

        Initially my thoughts and still is the offensive line. But really would you passed on a Larry Czonka, Ricky Williams, (Todd Curly we did last season and he was rookie of the year I believed)?

        What college players has been 2015 MVP of the Sugar Bowl and National Title Game? Ezekiel Elliot This player is Franchise Material.

  • Daniel A Cervantes

    Biggest mistake Miami can make is not investing in there future. Forte is done for a running back. Miller will never be a a quality running back!!!!! N Marino was there best back in resent years and they left him go. WAKE-UP. Quit thinking patch work, and draft a quality running back.

    • admin

      Dan, I’m all about the RB – BUT, with the cap situation, trying to get an Off. around T-Hill for this crucial eval. year and still having a decent D to be competitive, the road is tight. We all know the issues at hand, but it’s like chess, make a single move – even a pawn – and the board changes. Not that at this point there is a right or wrong move, but what’s the plan after. We take Miller, we lose out on someone else. We let Miller walk, more cash for someone else. If we keep Vernon and sign Miller we need to cut Cameron, Misi, and maybe Grimes – then they need replacements. Is Ajayi THE guy in the staff’s eyes?! If so then Miller loses value and Forte can come in an split reps and teach Ajayi. That would leave a couple of million to be spent elsewhere. Mostly, with these posts it’s simply wargaming and trying to see others wisdom and learn from it or refine the stance and have fun talking Miami football. We can’t go all draft at every position – it’s not possible, not enough picks and quality picks. A sprinkling of vets is the only way to make this team whole for 2016. I’d preferably rather see the D get more young guns as offense is harder to gel. I LOVE great backs, but I don’t see a great one (not that there isn’t) to be taken in the first. I love Osemele and Miller combo – I doubt there is a snow balls chance in hell that pans out. In the end I see a RB pick at this point of the build as a luxury pick due to the O line being shot. But the bottom line is what does Gase think? I can see him going either way honestly. Knowshon was the best back since Ricky, but he was let go because he was broken down with serious injuries. His career ended week 2.

    • Steve

      Daniel

      To draft one of the top 3 running backs in this draft would improve the offense. Minimizing 123 punt.

  • Lemmus

    …cap, cap, cap, cap etc etc etc

    …we’re unlikely to free enough cap to keep Vernon and Miller and sign Osemele as well …but then Aponte is regarded as a cap genius and it used to be Tannenbaum’s strength as well

    …really want to keep Vernon …home grown, improved every year, entering prime of his career …and without him our pass rush is seriously weakened …he will draw a lot of interest as a FA …not sure if he could be franchise tagged

    …you’ve already made the case for Miller and I agree

    …and your case for Osemele is even stronger

    …but then we also have to keep cap space for the draftees and the UDFAs

    …next month is going to be “interesting”

    • admin

      Yeah Lemmus – at this point it’s all guess work. I don’t think Vernon will be back…I’d love him to stay, but the price tag will end up being prohibitive. Miller will only be back if he wants to in that does he trust he’ll get the ball. Osemele…I doubt he will even be a consideration, but I desperately think he should. The direction will be “clearer” as cuts are made and some more should be coming soon. Usually they give a week between cuts and FA so we should see some more soon – of course a Suh restructure could do the same thing and give them more time to make their decisions.