Fansided

5 running backs who are massively overpaid

By Rucker Haringey

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 29: Le'Veon Bell #26 of the New York Jets delivers a stiff arm against Julian Stanford #51 of the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter at New Era Field on December 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 29: Le'Veon Bell #26 of the New York Jets delivers a stiff arm against Julian Stanford #51 of the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter at New Era Field on December 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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Jordan Howard, Miami Dolphins
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 03: Jordan Howard #24 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball against the Chicago Bears at Lincoln Financial Field on November 3, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

3. Jordan Howard

The Dolphins’ decision to let Drake go last season made a lot of sense. Their decision to follow it up by replacing him with Howard this offseason in free agency did not. Paying a mediocre running back $4.875 million is not an efficient use of salary cap resources.

Given his struggles last year in Philadelphia, it might be a stretch to call Howard mediocre. Producing 4.4 yards per carry behind a talented Eagles’ offensive line does not bode well for how he’ll play in Miami. Howard’s degree of difficulty is going to increase dramatically in 2020.

Even if Howard maintains his productivity, he’s not going to justify his modest salary. Bruising running backs of his ilk are easy to find. Howard’s inability to make anything approximating a big play makes giving him anything more than a veteran’s minimum a significant overpay.

The Dolphins front office might try to tout signing Howard as a success due to the volume he’ll soak up for their offense in 2020, but don’t fall for that narrative. He provides almost no value over an average replacement. Overpaying him may not cost Miami much roster flexibility in 2020, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a significant overpay.

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