Predaphin
Predator in the Water
STICKING WITH SMITH
Don't be surprised if running back Lamar Smith returns to the Dolphins next season despite his 2.9 yards per carry entering Saturday's game at New England.
Though the Dolphins are already looking for ways to bolster the position, they wouldn't be averse to re-signing Smith and drafting a running back. Smith would then have to compete for the job, which he did successfully in 2000.
Smith and his agents, Jonathan Feinsod and Neil Schwartz, have backed off on contract demands they made during the offseason because the market for Smith this offseason figures to be weak.
Look for Smith to sign a two- or three-year deal with the Dolphins that includes a signing bonus of about $1 million and plenty of incentives.
What does that say about backup running backs Travis Minor and J.J. Johnson? The Dolphins love Minor's big-play ability, but they don't believe he is the grinding runner they need. Minor is more of a high-cut runner, and the Dolphins don't believe he can take the pounding of 20 to 25 carries a game over the course of a season.
As for Johnson, well, that's a tired refrain. During one recent two-week stretch, Johnson was probable for one game and then questionable for the next with a thigh injury.
One problem: Johnson didn't play or practice during the time his injury supposedly worsened.
Don't be surprised if running back Lamar Smith returns to the Dolphins next season despite his 2.9 yards per carry entering Saturday's game at New England.
Though the Dolphins are already looking for ways to bolster the position, they wouldn't be averse to re-signing Smith and drafting a running back. Smith would then have to compete for the job, which he did successfully in 2000.
Smith and his agents, Jonathan Feinsod and Neil Schwartz, have backed off on contract demands they made during the offseason because the market for Smith this offseason figures to be weak.
Look for Smith to sign a two- or three-year deal with the Dolphins that includes a signing bonus of about $1 million and plenty of incentives.
What does that say about backup running backs Travis Minor and J.J. Johnson? The Dolphins love Minor's big-play ability, but they don't believe he is the grinding runner they need. Minor is more of a high-cut runner, and the Dolphins don't believe he can take the pounding of 20 to 25 carries a game over the course of a season.
As for Johnson, well, that's a tired refrain. During one recent two-week stretch, Johnson was probable for one game and then questionable for the next with a thigh injury.
One problem: Johnson didn't play or practice during the time his injury supposedly worsened.