Dolphins increasingly likely to sign Aaron Jones from Packers

As the Miami Dolphins prepare for the 2021 season, it looks like they’ll be adding the top free agent running back the next few weeks.

There’s plenty to like about the Miami Dolphins for a player entering free agency. One season after admitting defeat, Brian Flores and the revamped defense finished 10-6 in the AFC, missing the postseason by one game.

Keep in mind this was in the middle of a rebuild with a rookie quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa. Year 3 of the Flores-led franchise should finally be the season where it all comes together.

There still will be questions on if Tagovailoa is the franchise quarterback moving past his first year. Even if the team was willing to package a deal to land Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, there’s still the need for weapons for whoever is under center.

That could start by adding Aaron Jones.

According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Jones and the Dolphins both have a mutual interest in one another entering free agency. With the Packers electing not to use the franchise tag, Jones now becomes a free agent for this first time in his NFL career.

Green Bay is expected to still make a play at keeping the former UTEP star.

Would Miami be an ideal landing spot for Jones?

Jones ranked fourth in the NFL last season with 1,104 rushing yards despite missing two games with a calf injury. His Pro Bowl season only enhanced his value after a 2019 season in which he tallied 1,558 total yards of offense and a league-high 16 rushing touchdowns.

Miami currently has just over $24 million in cap space, but that number should rise with the cap space now set at $182.5 million. The Dolphins also could more to the cap should they either release or trade linebacker Kyle Van Noy, whose contract would free up $9.775 million in 2021.

It’s ideal for Miami to add a running back this offseason after finishing 22nd in rushing. Myles Gaskins led the charge with 584 yards on the ground. The next in line? Salvon Ahmed with 389. Miami ranked 29th in yards per run at 3.9 per carry.

Multiple mock drafts have penciled in Alabama’s Najee Harris with the No.18 pick or UNC’s Javonte Williams at pick No. 36 in Round 2.

Jones also adds value in the passing game, meaning his role as a check-down option for Tagovailoa would be essential in 2021. Although Miami is hopeful former 2020 first-rounder Isaiah Wilson can be a decent tackle, they still need help at the center position to fix the offensive line. The wide receiver role will be a massive need as well.

There are reasons to like Jones in South Beach, specifically to take the pressure off Tagovailoa. If the pricing is right, this could be one of the earlier deals done once free agency begins on March 17.