The Dolphins have a logjam at the running back position, with Raheem Mostert, De’Von Achane and Jaylen Wright atop the depth chart. That has left few opportunities available for Jeff Wilson.
For that reason, the veteran could soon find himself on the move. Wilson was recently named as the most logical trade candidate among Miami’s running backs, leading to questions about his outlook on the upcoming deadline. The 28-year-old made it clear his preference would be to remain with the Dolphins.
“If I could play here and find a way to play, I would love to stay,” Wilson said, via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. I love it here. Everyone has embraced me. I would love to stay and play here.”
Wilson did add, however, that he “came to play, not to sit,” an understandable indication that he would welcome an increased workload down the stretch. The former 49er handled 84 carries upon arrival with the Dolphins midway through the 2022 season, but that number checked in at just 41 (in 10 contests) last year. In 2024, Wilson has totaled only 10 touches in four games.
Provided Mostert (who is back after missing time earlier in the year), Achane (who leads the team with 357 rushing yards) and Wright (who has averaged an impressive 5.3 yards per carry as a rookie) remain healthy, Wilson is unlikely to carve out a meaningful role. A trade away from the Dolphins would mean departing a team coached by Mike McDaniel, with whom the former UDFA spent considerable time in San Francisco. It could nevertheless yield a clearer path to playing time.
Just as Mostert did, Wilson agreed to a new Dolphins deal last March. That pact has him on track for free agency in the spring, and Wilson’s base salary is only $1.13M. Any number of contending teams could easily take on the prorated remainder of that figure, especially if Miami is open to accepting a low price in terms of draft capital coming back in a trade. Such a scenario would not (at least fully) appeal to Wilson, but it will be one worth watching for.
