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The sudden retirement of running back Ricky Williams has the Miami Dolphins in a huge bind. Mere days before the start of training camp, the team has lost the centerpiece of its entire offense.
Had Williams made the decision to retire before April, the Dolphins could have filled the void in the NFL Draft -- Steven Jackson, Kevin Jones and Chris Perry were still on the board when the team choose offensive lineman Vernon Carey in the first round. But the mysterious Williams didn't have the Dolphins in mind when he boarded a plane for Asia and left football in the rearview mirror.
General manager Rick Spielman has little time to make a move that will at least lessen the blow felt by Williams' departure. He could stick with Travis Minor and hope the Florida State product can be a featured back; he can sign James Stewart, Stacey Mack or Trung Canidate and cross his fingers; or he can deal for Moe Williams or Onterrio Smith.
Here's the best solution: Trade for Anthony Thomas.
Regardless of what the organization has stated in recent weeks, the Chicago Bears haven't wanted the A-Train for the better part of the past two seasons. The addition of Thomas Jones, who has been handed the top spot despite being a bust for four NFL seasons, proves the team has little faith in the former Wolverine as a featured back.
The sudden retirement of running back Ricky Williams has the Miami Dolphins in a huge bind. Mere days before the start of training camp, the team has lost the centerpiece of its entire offense.
Had Williams made the decision to retire before April, the Dolphins could have filled the void in the NFL Draft -- Steven Jackson, Kevin Jones and Chris Perry were still on the board when the team choose offensive lineman Vernon Carey in the first round. But the mysterious Williams didn't have the Dolphins in mind when he boarded a plane for Asia and left football in the rearview mirror.
General manager Rick Spielman has little time to make a move that will at least lessen the blow felt by Williams' departure. He could stick with Travis Minor and hope the Florida State product can be a featured back; he can sign James Stewart, Stacey Mack or Trung Canidate and cross his fingers; or he can deal for Moe Williams or Onterrio Smith.
Here's the best solution: Trade for Anthony Thomas.
Regardless of what the organization has stated in recent weeks, the Chicago Bears haven't wanted the A-Train for the better part of the past two seasons. The addition of Thomas Jones, who has been handed the top spot despite being a bust for four NFL seasons, proves the team has little faith in the former Wolverine as a featured back.
