NFL trade rumors: Miami Dolphins reportedly shopping Kenyan Drake

The Miami Dolphins appear to be on the verge of trading running back Kenyan Drake.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Miami Dolphins have had recent trade conversations with other teams about starting running back Kenyan Drake. Rapoport notes that the Dolphins have “indicated they would trade him if the right offer presented itself” and Drake “would welcome a new opportunity.”

Obviously, this is not much of a surprise. Even if you do not think the Dolphins are tanking, they are clearly rebuilding. They have proved by trading Laremy Tunsil and Minkah Fitzpatrick that every player on their roster is available for the right price. Drake is a talented back who still has plenty of upside, but trading him for draft pick compensation certainly makes sense.

Drake, a third-round selection of the Miami Dolphins back in 2016, is set to become a free agent this offseason. I am sure Drake has no interest in returning to the lowly Dolphins so they might as well get as much for him right now as they can.

Drake has not been the most productive running back through his four years in Miami, but he is still an extremely talented player who has obvious upside at the position. He is an explosive player with the ball in his hands who can make a defender miss in space and take it to the house from anywhere on the field. Drake is also a well-rounded player who can make plays as a receiver out of the backfield.

While his career has not exactly gone according to plan, Drake is still a strong fit for the modern NFL. He is a true three-down back who could still have success as the main back in a committee. I am sure there are NFL teams out there who would have interest in a guy like Drake this season. The Buffalo Bills stand out as an obvious team that should be interested, as do the Houston Texans.

This one is pretty simple, the Miami Dolphins do not care about winning games this season and they have a talented running back who is extremely unlikely to be on the roster past this season. Sending Drake to a competitive team who could use him to take them over the top makes all the sense in the world. Plus, I am sure Drake would love nothing more than to get moved to a different situation.