During the NFL Scouting Combine, new Miami Dolphins coach Adam Gase vociferously stated that he wanted to retain Lamar Miller.
Just how much is the franchise willing to shell out for one of the top running backs set to hit the open market?
According to the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson, the Dolphins continue to work on re-signing Miller, but the team would like to sign him for $5 million per year or slightly less. The running back wants more than $5 million per.
Five running backs are currently set to enter the 2016 season averaging more than $5 million per season, per OverTheCap.com: Adrian Peterson, LeSean McCoy, DeMarco Murray, Jonathan Stewart and Jamaal Charles. Shane Vereen is next on the list at a $4.1 million per year average.
The Dolphins' messy cap situation certainly won't help Miami retain Miller.
Doug Martin, the top running back on Around The NFL's Top 99 free agents list, is reportedly seeking a deal around $8 million per year on a four- or five-year contract. Miller ranks No. 12 overall and is the No. 3 running back on our list.
Miller started all 16 games for the Dolphins in 2015 and carried 194 times for 872 yards with eight touchdowns. There have been questions about the 24-year-old's ability to shoulder a heavy workload, after several Miami offensive coordinators have declined to ride him hard.
The back has said he wants to be a 20-carry-a-game player. Gase said at this stage he wouldn't name a number of carries he'd envision for Miller if re-signed.