Miami Dolphins: Five more potential free-agent signings

Sep 28, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Trent Richardson (34) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

Number 3: Trent Richardson – Running Back 

After deciding to not resign Reggie Bush in 2013, one of the biggest Achilles Heel’s for Miami over the last two seasons has been the uncertainty at the running back position.

Last offseason the team brought in Knowshon Moreno to be their starter; however, he suffered an elbow and severe knee injury early in the season, forcing him to miss 13 games. This led to the promotion of third-year back Lamar Miller to the starting spot.

Fortunately, Miller was able to take advantage of his abundance of playing time, as he had a career year carrying the load for the Dolphins. Miller carried the ball 216 times for 1,099 yards and eight touchdowns. Along with being a threat running the football, Miller contributed to the receiving game, catching 38 balls for 275 yards and a touchdown. He will be the team’s starter heading into next season.

But outside of Miller, Miami saw a ton of inconsistency on the ground. In an effort to add depth, the team unsuccessfully brought back training camp cut Daniel Thomas, who is now a free agent.

In addition to Thomas, Miami also used undrafted rookie Damien Williams, who showed glimmers of promise last season, mainly in the passing game.

Adding another running back for Miami should be essential this offseason as they need someone to compliment Miller.

Insert Trent Richardson – the former first round pick out of Alabama, who was then traded after 17 games with the Cleveland Browns to the Indianapolis Colts, where he spent two unsuccessful seasons.

Basically Richardson is a bust, right? To an extent, yes he is.

So why would the Dolphins consider a player like him. Well, for one, he is just 24 years of age. Secondly, after two disappointing seasons with the Colts, Miami will be able to sign Richardson for almost nothing.

Signing Richardson for a low-ball offer would mean two things for Miami: taking a chance on a young player who could rise from the bottom’s of the league while erasing the possibility of having to use a draft pick on another running back.

Next: From NFC West to AFC East