January 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno (27) runs the ball against the New England Patriots in the first half of the 2013 AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
It’s been a quiet offseason so far for Knowshon Moreno — and running backs in general — but the free agent back has a meeting with the Dolphins Friday, per Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.
With Ben Tate having now been signed by the Browns, Moreno is the best available free agent RB, and the Dolphins are among the teams with the most pressing need for a solid back. Lamar Miller’s stock was high heading into last season, but he was ineffective when given the feature back role last season. Then again, with that mess of an O-line, 1,000 yards rushing would’ve been a difficult task in Miami for even Adrian Peterson or Jamaal Charles.
The 12th overall pick in the 2009 draft, Moreno had been labeled a bust up until last season, when he produced over 1,500 yards and 13 total TDs as part of the record-setting Denver offense. At only 26, Moreno is still four seasons away from that dreaded 30, although in 2014 for running backs, 28 may be becoming the new 30.
By comparison, Tate is 25 and has never carried a full-time load in the backfield. That is where Moreno proved himself most valuable next season. Not only was he the only back Denver trusted, but he stayed healthy for 16 games and three playoff games. Not an easy thing for any running back.