The Miami Dolphins planned to release running back Kalen Ballage today after an announcement late Wednesday night, but instead have just traded them to division-rival New York.
The Jets sent over a conditional late-round NFL Draft that has not yet been determined.
Ballage Makes NFL History
The 2018 fourth-round NFL Draft pick spent just two seasons with the Dolphins and averaged a horrendous 1.8 yards per carry in 2019. This was the lowest single-season mark in 70 years.
Ballage’s Transition to NFL Practically a Failure
The former Arizona State University standout struggled to make a successful transition to the NFL, racking up just 326 yards and four rushing touchdowns in 24 games with Miami. Ballage also added just 119 yards on 23 receptions.
Ballage also earned all of his starts last season and barely produced anything with the ppportunities. Seemingly, he rushed fewer yards last season (135) than his rookie campaign (191).
Instead of cutting him for nothing, Miami now gets a pick and Ballage is reunited with former Dolphins head coach Adam Gase. Ballage will likely be the No. 3 back sitting behind starter Le’Veon Bell and backup Frank Gore.
Dolphins Had RB Carousel in 2019
Head coach Brian Flores even handcuffed him with now-Arizona Cardinals RB Kenyan Drake, but the two struggled to produce. Miami rotated through eight backs in 2019, starting in a downward spiral once Drake was traded, and could never grasp any chemistry. So much so that veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was the Dolphins’ leading rusher, finishing with just more than 230 yards. Remember when RB Jay Ajayi had multiple 200-plus yard games just a few seasons ago? Yeah, don’t remind us.
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Miami Snags Veterans Howard, Breida in Offseason
Knowing changes needed to be made, Miami acquired two veteran RBs in free agency/the NFL Draft to hopefully mend its rushing problems.
Ballage was replaced by Jordan Howard and Matt Breida, who are suspected to play as a committee, despite Howard’s career proving he can handle the job on his own.
The two will compliment each other and will be backed up by a trio of guys: Myles Gaskin, Patrick Laird and rookie utility player Malcolm Perry. The Dolphins were also awarded RB Salvon Ahmed yesterday off waivers from the San Francisco 49ers.
Miami will be on the road for its season opener against the New England Patriots in just a little over two weeks on Sept. 13 at 1 p.m.
– Kayla Morton is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Miami Dolphins. Like and follow on Follow @northdakayla74 Follow @FPC_Dolphins and Facebook.
