Report: Miami Dolphins sign running back Sony Michel

The Miami Dolphins have reached an agreement with free agent running back Sony Michel, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported. The Dolphins will be the third NFL team for Michel, who is set to enter the fifth year of his pro career in 2022.

A Georgia product, Michel was selected 31st overall in the 2018 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. He rushed for more than 900 yards in each of his first two seasons in the league, both of which the Patriots won the Super Bowl. His role was less defined in the 2020 season, during which he struggled with injuries and played only nine games.

Prior to the start of the this past season, the Patriots traded him to the Los Angeles Rams. The running back went on to help lead the Rams to a Super Bowl victory, finishing as the team’s leading rusher with 845 yards and four touchdowns. He rushed just two times for two yards in the Super Bowl win against the Bengals.

Sony Michel is set to join a Dolphins team that struggled to establish a ground game, ranking 30th in the NFL in rushing yards per game this past season. He joins Raheem Mostert and Chase Edmonds as fellow free agent running backs to make their way to Miami this offseason. All three running backs bring starting experience to the team, though Michel has been the most successful thus far in his pro career.

Miami is coming off of its second consecutive winning season with zero playoff appearances to show for it. The Dolphins finished this past year with a 9-8 record after going 10-6 in the 2020 season. They already have some talented young players on their roster, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and receiver Jaylen Waddle.

Now, the hope is that the addition of Michel, as well as other offseason acquisitions, can propel them into the postseason.