With the Indianapolis Colts permitting Jonathan Taylor to seek a trade on Monday, the Miami Dolphins have been widely speculated as a potential landing spot for the disgruntled running back.
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Dolphins are expected to explore a deal for Taylor, who would likely supplant Raheem Mostert as Miami's starter if acquired — a what-if scenario that Mostert doesn't appear all too fazed about.
“I'm not worried about another man coming in. I'm worried about perfecting my craft," Mostert said on Tuesday, via NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe.
Mostert added that he wouldn't ask coach Mike McDaniel or general manager Chris Grier about potential moves at the running back position, but noted McDaniel has previously alerted him before making additions in the backfield. The team acquired Jeff Wilson Jr. in a November trade with the San Francisco 49ers last season. They also selected Texas A&M's Devon Achane in the third round of this year's NFL Draft.
Dolphins starting RB Raheem Mostert on Miami potentially trading for Jonathan Taylor: “I'm not worried about another man coming in. I'm worried about perfecting my craft."
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) August 22, 2023
Mostert said he wouldn’t ask Mike McDaniel or Chris Grier about potential RB moves, but noted McDaniel… pic.twitter.com/8ICldrBdEE
Despite Mostert leading the Dolphins in rushing yards (891) during his first season in South Beach and tying for the seventh-highest yards per carry average among NFL running backs (4.9), Miami has continuously been entangled in running back speculation this summer.
Before being linked to Taylor, the Dolphins were rumored to have an interest in adding Dalvin Cook to their backfield. Cook ultimately opted to sign with Miami's AFC East rivals, the New York Jets, instead.
While Mostert and Wilson are far from bona fide stars, they're among the most efficient one-two punches in the NFL. Wilson averaged 4.7 yards per carry over his eight-game stretch with the 'Phins in 2022. As for Mostert, the 31-year-old New Smyrna Beach native averages an NFL-high 5.4 yards per carry since 2019.
#Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert since 2019:
— Dolphins Muse (@Dolphins_Muse) August 15, 2023
- leads all running backs with 5.4 yards per attempt
- ranks fourth in yards after contact per attempt (3.5)
- tied for seventh in missed tackles forced per attempt (0.21)#FinsUp pic.twitter.com/HADtXxRGLR
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