Brown, Williams in final Miami year together?

Since the topic of Dolphins running backs has been all the rage of late -- with one being constantly whispered about as trade bait and the other as a documentary star and possible retiree after 2010 -- I wanted to appraoch the topic from a different direction today.

From the team's perspective.

You see, seemingly lost in all the draft coverage over the weekend, Jeff Ireland's words while addressing the running back situation seem to have gotten short shrift. And they beg more attention.

Ireland was asked Saturday evening if he might have liked to add a running back in the draft and he said that 2010 is the last year for Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams.

"Again, when you put a board together, sometimes the chips fall differently in certain drafts," Ireland said. "Obviously we’re aware of the situation on our team. You have Ricky [Williams] and Ronnie [Brown] kind of in their last year. We’re aware of all those things. We have them for another year, so anything can happen that way. The draft falls certain ways and you can’t help the way it falls. We’re not ignoring those positions by any means, but I felt like we stuck to our board pretty good and stayed the course."

I'm not going to leap to the assumption that Brown and Williams are indeed done with the Dolphins after 2010. The truth is no one knows what will happen after 2010. The NFL may not even play in 2011 for all we know.

But weighing Ireland's words with the facts currently before us, it is not out of the realm of possibility that Miami will be searching for running backs after this year because one or both of its top backs will be gone.

As far as Brown is concerned, he has yet to sign his restricted free agent tender. He would like a long-term deal but that doesn't seem imminent because, well, the Dolphins don't really have to offer one right now.

Brown, 28, has yet to prove he's 100 percent back from last year's fractured foot and has never proven that he is exceedingly durable. The Dolphins own his rights this year via the restricted tender they placed on him and can extend after June 1st if Brown doesn't sign by then. Trust me, Brown is not going to sit out this year if he doesn't get a new contract so he will eventually sign that tender if the Dolphins don't give him a new deal -- and as we just discussed their motivation for doing so is not high.

Bottom line is the Dolphins can keep Brown this year and decide to replace him with younger legs in 2011, if they wish. Bottom line is they have been willing to let him go at different intervals since 2008. Bottom line is his long-term future in Miami is by no means certain.

Williams is another matter, but one no less fraught with uncertainty. The Dolphins have shown a past desire to pass him Post-it note contract extensions, which is the reason he's signed through 2010. He has said in the past that he would retire following the 2010 season.

He said Monday he is "not sure" if he will retire in 2010 and that the hiring agent Drew Rosenhaus should not be interpreted as an intention to play into 2011. Whatever, the point is neither Williams nor the Dolphins know without doubt what is going to happen.

But we do know this: Williams will be 33 next month and so whether he's able to stretch his career beyond 2010 is not a certainty by any means.

So the Dolphins might be wise to take the approach that this could be the final year for both Brown and Williams. And if it doesn't work out that way, well, then something good happened that stretched the Miami career for one or both of the running backs.

Still, better to make the error on the side of caution.

Comments

[CALI Fin Fan]

first

[Dolphan5361]

Second

[CALI Fin Fan]

I predict we trade brown before season begins

[Dolphan5361]

No way man we need a younger back but from a productivity standpoint it would be foolish to trade Ronnie ESP with the addition on B Marshall to open up the already potent running attack

[CALI Fin Fan]

i understnand that...i'm not saying i agree with the move

[Dolfangeo]

I believe that next year RB and TE will be at the top of our draft list!

[Bootang25]

Don't you find it funny that he said "kind of in their last year" Listening to the press conference live, I noticed that. Contractually, both are in the last year of their deals, so technically they are both in their last year, not kind of. I have long said that not only are these guys the type of players the Trifecta want at RB on the field, but both of them are everything you want off the field as well. (Dont bring up Ronnie's DUI, because what made that so shocking was it was Ronnie, totally out of character) It is quite simple, really. Both will be given an opportunity to play in an offense where they won't be the complete focal point, with an emerging QB, and a solidified offensive line. Their play this season, 2010, and not anything they have done before, will decide whether or not they are brought back for next year, and beyond. No need to overthink this matter.

[CALI Fin Fan]

I agree

[Robert]

As a Fan of both these great backs this blog really brings me down. Ronnie & Ricky or the R&R express have been amazing to watch. To know this might be their last year, really sucks. I know one thing I will enjoy every yard they gain and every TD they score.

[Ted Ginn]

If we sign Vernon davis and draft a durable baller at RB in the 1st round, this team will be superbowl bound next year!!!

[CALI Fin Fan]

true...I just feel like they are hungry for draft picks especially after giving up 2 second rounders. They got one back this year and the best way to get the one back next year is ronnie. I hate to say that cause i want him to stay but i think that it's going to happen. Maybe they will let him play the first couple weeks before the trade deadline so he can up his value before trading him. Then unless things are going flawless to that point they will trade him.

[CALI Fin Fan]

You know Vernon wants to come play on the team with his brother!!!

[Dolfangeo]

Omg.. That'll be scary!! And yes he already said he wants to play with his brother

[odinseye]

I hate to see either one of them go. They're both my kind of players. Such is life, time catches up with all of us. This reminds of when Csonka went......uh......never mind.

I could see us bringing one or even both of them back for another year.
Worst case scenario, we go with Hilliard, Cobbs and a "double down" of rookie RB's.

Next years draft has to deeper at RB than this years.

[Dishpan]

Did your wife give you the idea to write this entry?

[Marc]

I get sad even thinking of Brown leaving. I LOVE watching him play! I could live without Ricky slippin' all over the place and fumbling much easier.

[odinseye]

NJ and Allen are still raging on the last blog.

While one of them is doing a lot better than the other, the point they're arguing is interesting.

Are the 4-3 DE's RESPONSIBILITIES the SAME as a 3-4 OLB's.

Any takers?

[CALI Fin Fan]

I have a great idea...ronnie for vernon and a mid-round pick in 2011 draft

[Dolfangeo]

LoL cali.. Not happening.. Gore and coffe in San Fran..

[odinseye]

I think they're both very similar. I love to watch either.
Both fast bruising runners. Ronnie is a little more dynamic, but Ricky makes up for it by getting stronger as opposing D's get weaker.

Excellent one two punch. What's not to love?

[CALI Fin Fan]

even better...ronnie and 4th rounder for vernon and gore or coffe...lol

[anthred]

they will both play this season!

[Mike]

Are the 4-3 DE's RESPONSIBILITIES the SAME as a 3-4 OLB's

Very much so. In the 4-3 the DE's are responsible for containment. In the 3-4 they are responsible to take on blockers and fill gaps. Of course there are many variables, and I am generalizing a bit.

[anthred]

and ricky is not leaving until he gets another 900 yards and passes Larry C.

[Mike]

I am sorry, I misread the question. Disregard my previous post.

[Bootang25]

At Ricky's movie premiere tonight for charity, Both Tony Sparano and Jeff Ireland were there. Again, both these RBs are core components of this team. They bring tremendous leadership to our team.

[Ask Bill Ruger]

I believe Brown hold his future in Miami in his own hands. First, there is no doubt he is a good RB. But, He has a guy (Ricky) who is sharing 30-40% of the load with him and he still cannot seem to stay healthy. For this reason and this reason alone he has not already been offered another full blown contract. He can operate the Wildcat better then anyone else, he is a strong downhill runner who falls forward and he doesn't have fumble-itus. But, all that cannot help when he is on the IR list. Last year his injury fell right on Ricky's shoulders... by the end of the season Ricky was tired and was losing fumbles, ones that he normally would recover himself... not cool. Ricky wants to play, I believe he would like to try and ride it out and see if He and the Dolphins can't grab a Championship before he hangs um up. But having to go from 15 or 20 carries a game to 30/35 carries a game will run him off just as fast as it did back when Wannstedt was running him 45 times a game and had no end in sight.
I believe those who are big Ronnie fans (I like him too) need to at least try and look at this from the angle I have shown here before taking a "Ronnie does no wrong" attitude... and I think we need to see if Ronnie can give us a solid year, 16 games (at least 14 or 15) of good solid running. If he can, we may just keep Ricky and I believe Ronnie would get a contract out of Miami. Either way, Ricky deciding to stay or not, Ronnie HAS to stay healthy or he is a liability to our club.

[superPHIN]

u know with this team, its produce or else when it comes to the aged players like ricky williams so i could definately see him getting the shaft after this year, as for ronnie, i would hate to see him go but his health has to the issue here. We know that when healthy, he is a beast, but when does it come time to say a player that cant stay healthy becomes more of a liabilty. Like players say*ITS A BUSINESS DECISION* just like when it comes to another certian savvy dolphin great we all knew and liked.

[Marc]

I agree Ronnie's injuries are a concern, but, Bell and Crowder were oft-injured the first few years as well. There's hope.

With that said, Ricky as ALWAYS fumbled, not just last year, and not just when he's tired. It's kind of his thing.

Ronnie, historically DOESN'T, and I still blame Penny for the goalline fumble!

[finfan123]

hey guys! great dolphin talk show here! go to it! ask questions in the chatroom he answers on the radio! http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/tcForward.jsp?masterId=75179&cmd=tcf

[THUNDERBOLT]

U dudes that keep saying Ronnie gets injured too much need to go back and look at the replays. ANYBODY would have been injured the same way. Now a more valid point might be those injuries will have a cumulative effect and shorten his career or make him a less explosive runner but to say he is injury prone is just not accurate.

[odinseye]

Ronnie, historically DOESN'T, and I still blame Penny for the goalline fumble!

Posted by: Marc | April 27, 2010 at 01:03 AM

I think Penny would agree with you that it was his fault.

I do.

[Francisco a.k.a MexDolfan]

I would hate to watch Ronnie leave, yes i would miss Ricky too but I wouldn't mind watching him retire. That being said I think all of you guys are understimating Lex Hilliard the guy plays hard and plays tough, he doesnt make mistakes from either a mental (penalties, missed assingments) or a physical (fumble) stand points, he is a bruiser and he has speed, I hope he lears all he can from Ricky and Ronnie this year because maybe this time next year we eill be talking about the Ronnie and Lex show or Lex and (name probably rookie RB here) show. Now on the Vernorn Davis thingy, yes I would love to see him in South Fla. I mean, Marshall, Bess and Davis? WOW that would be a great show but I just dont see it happening, its no secret he is a 'Mike Singletary' guy now and chances are he stays that way for a long time. And Mando, one thing you havent talked much about is how Bess will benefit from Marshall just as much as Welker benefits off Moss, lets be honest, Bess was the best WR in the team prior to the trade and he is an EXCELLENT slot WR, last year safeties where double teaming this guy and he still made the play (ask the Patsies defense if you don't believe me). So yes I predict him being the new and improved Welker. Anyways i'm out!

[THUNDERBOLT]

Btw Ricky broke his arm in the CFL and got injured against The Steelers his first game back which ended his 2007 season. So who is more fragile?

[finfan123]

dude they stepped on his freakin shoulder on purpose in the steelers game. big cheap shot. and thunderbolt i would agree with you IF and only IF ronnie would actually finish a complete season. therefore he is injury prone.

[MickFins]

Ronnie is very valuable. If he stays health the Fins should extend him for 3 more years, If he doesn't I understand why they would let him go. I am a huge fan of his and I think he is under appreciated in Miami... Ricky is gone after this year, I think he is done. He has been good, but he is getting too old... I hope things work out for Ronnie, it would be great if he could finish his career in Miami.

[odinseye]

I don't underestimate Hilliard.
In addition to what SanFran said Lex has the one thing that makes good backs great. VISION.

Can you imagine how far the undersized Thurman Thomas would have made it without great vision? He wouldn't have made it.

Hilliard has that ability to make things happen with his eyes. The more reps he gets, the better he'll be at it too.

[THUNDERBOLT]

Finfan definite cheap shot. I cant recall who did it but it was dirty as hell.

[Ask Bill Ruger]

Marc... Your right that Ricky has always been a player to put it on the ground. As I stated in my post, he would often recover many of those himself, certainly not all of them. Other players have had injury issues. But, I believe you have to put a premium on certain players. Losing Crowder for a half a season would not have anywhere near the effect on the team as losing Ronnie. Bell a bit more but still not the same. Losing Ronnie KILLED us last year in the stretch.
And superPHIN... How many times have Players walked away to another team because they get offered a huge contract? We have two from other team this year ourselves, Marshall and Dansby. Their decision to leave their clubs was a "Business Decision" yet when its the player we say... "He has to do what is right for him and his family" but if a team does right by the team... we say "They screwed that guy"... I cannot justify that as a business owner myself. After the 2007 season.... I told myself that NO PLAYER was irreplaceable...NO PLAYER...
The Miami Dolphins Management have a responsibility to its players and its fans to win... and try to win championships. Doing so means one thing and one thing only. Hiring and placing who they believe to be the best available players on the field. Not who the fans think is best, or who has been there the longest or sold the most jerseys. 13 years we have had Jayson Taylor. He has been a great player in Miami and he will end up in the ring or honor and the Hall of Fame for certain. But I believe him and his agents choice to go to NY was reprehensible. I also feel it was just about being on HBO. Let me ask a question, since the Jests only had 5 picks... and only added a CB, G, RB and FB (NO LB's) in the draft... what makes anyone believe they would have pulled an offer if Jayson would have waited to hear what Miami had to say in 3 short days? What makes anyone believe they would have pulled it if they HAD drafted a LB? Rex was flipping off S. Florida without the $50K fine.
Jayson did what he wanted to do my friend. He told everyone in 08 he wanted to be in the movies... HBO is a good place to start and his Agent is 100% behind that happening. That offer was going no where... But JT was leaving regardless. It was best for us he did... we now have a stable of LB's who are ready to take THEIR shot at being great Miami Dolphins... and maybe THEY will be able to produce what JT could not... A Superbowl Championship.

[odinseye]

... we now have a stable of LB's who are ready to take THEIR shot at being great Miami Dolphins... and maybe THEY will be able to produce what JT could not... A Superbowl Championship.

Posted by: Ask Bill Ruger | April 27, 2010 at 02:08 AM

Well said Bill.

Does Misi-Dansby-Edds-Wake sound any better than Taylor-Chowder-Ayodele-Porter?

[Francisco a.k.a MexDolfan]

Hey Odinseye first of all i like the san fran nickname lol and I agree Hilliard has great vision lets hope he can get some more reps; now on the LBs, dont lose sight of Dobbins he was acquired through the San Diego trade and he could start next to Dansby in the middle, then again Edds would help them out a lot in coverage. The FS situation is still a concern in my book but not as big as it would have been had the Dolphins kept the same LB core. I would think Will Allen could play FS in the base defense and move to nickel back in the nickel package allowing culver or clemons to play fs in the nickel and dime situations.

[Ask Bill Ruger]

odinseye..... just on upside alone I feel we have a better group of players. Then you must take into account that Porter wanted out and Taylor is 36 with a degenerative shoulder that started back in 07 and hurt him in Washington and again last year here. He played through it, but you know it slowed down his game at some level. I have always said and will always believe the difference between the "Elite" and the "Good" was a half a step... a small turn at the hips or shoulder that other players have never seen. With a bad shoulder or tweaked Knee... a player falls from "Elite" to "Great"... then comes the years that cut him down to "Good"... where does he go from there?... It is not back to "Elite" or "Great" that is for sure. The guys we have now can go to or be any one of those levels... its all about them now. I believe Miami is a team who will be one of the Elite Defensive teams within a year or two. The writing is on the wall when you see a draft like this. It shows commitment to greatness. Marshall is another sign of that commitment. This team want to win... their not just going through the motions like some teams are.

[THUNDERBOLT]

Cool stat. 2002 rickys 1800 yard season he averaged 4.8 yards per carry. Last year he averaged 4.7. Although he cant be that workhorse at this age for him to average almost the same as 2002 is amazing.

[odinseye]

SanFran,

Loose sight of Dobbins? Not me.
I didn't know much about him at first. Turns out to be one of my favorite pickups.
I think you're right. He'll start right off the bat. This gives a chance to ease Edds in and see who' better. Either way, I like them better than Crowder.
I think were basically set with Smith, Davis and Allen.
Though I wouldn't mind bringing in a safety to solidify our secondary, I think Clemons and Jones are going to surprise everybody THIS YEAR.

[THUNDERBOLT]

Last thought. Ronnies one of my fav players to watch. I get amped everytime he lines up in the Wildact cause i know some power football is coming and Ronnie does not ever shy from contact. He is a finisher. I believe it was Cromartie that he pointed to and then laid out in 2008 as he was running down the sidelines. Hopefully no freak injuries this year.

[THUNDERBOLT]

Lol just watched Ronnie Brown give Cromartie sweet chin music on Youtube. First he points then he flattens him. Later fins.

[Ask Bill Ruger]

Francisco ..... You comment about Marshall benefiting the Possession receivers like Bess, Hartline & Camarillo could not be more true. I read a bunch of negative posts from People the last few days talking about how teams were just going to Double-team Marshall and take him out of games. We can only PRAY they take that approach. If they are doubling one guy... that means someone is open. We have 3 very solid Possession guys (this being why they call them Possession guys BTW) Camarillo did not drop a single pass last year... not one. You place Him or Bess & Hartline on the field with a double on Marshall and someone will catch the ball for some yards. Great post by you...sound info!!!

[odinseye]

Bill,

I have to agree. As a fan alot of times it seems painfully slow. TWO steps forward, ONE step back.
Piece by piece move by move the Trifecta's heading in the right direction.
I have that never say die attitude so I can't say that I didn't expect us too do better last year. Still, the foundation has been strengthened and this off-season has really made a believer out of me.
I think we have solidified what was already a really good offense. The defensive line looks great on paper, especially once Fergie returns. The linebacking corp is the wildcard but like you said the upside is there. I'm thinking it will be at LEAST adequate.
Everybody seems concerned with the secondary, specifically FS. As you probably already know, I think it will be the "surprise" of the year.

[Ask Bill Ruger]

Odin... Funny about you feeling that way about the FS. I also feel they are not done at that spot. Now I do believe the guys we will have in camp are already pretty decent, Culver has shown Brains and ball skill, Clemons has speed, and our pick Reshad Jones I feel was a steal. I believe they grabbed an un-drafted also. I believe Miami may just take a shot at one of the FA available. But the one they want will not be available till may 1st. I also feel that having a super star safety is less necessary when the Line and the Line backers are all up in the QB's face. 1/2 the teams in the league run timing offenses. Disrupt that timing and you kill their ability to move the ball efficiently. The other half relies on their O-Line to keep their QB clean and the talent of their receivers... that is us and the entire AFC East... that is where Big Ass 6'5 Guys like Odrick and Starks shoving up the Middle with guys pinching off the edge makes for fun football watching.

[JUSTIN CREDIBLE]

RONNIE I LIKE THE GUY BUT I WOULD LIKE A BACK THAT CAN RUN 70 YARDS WITHOUT FAKING A HAMMY PULL BECAUSE HE CAN't OUT RUN THE CB FROM THE OTHER SIDE.

RICKY's BACK FOR CHILD SUPPORT. HE LIKES THE PURPLE HAZE.

I LIKE BOTH BUT IT's TIME TO MOVE ON. I DON't FEEL LEX IS THE ANSWER BECAUSE THE GODFATHERS WOULD HAVE GOTTEN RID OF RICKY or RONNIE IF THEY THOUGHT HE WAS.

AND STOP TRING TO COMPARE BESS WITH WES LET THAT MAN BE HIM. BESIDES WES MOVED ON HE WASN't HERE LONG ENOUGH TO BE A GREAT FIN.

TAYLOR DIDN't WIN ANYTHING FOR US?

WHAT DID MARINO WIN FOR US?

HE HAD THE BALL IN HIS HANDS EVERY SNAP BUT HE's YOUR GOD.

TAYLOR IS NOT A QB AND HIS JOB WAS TO SACK THE QB. HE WAS ONE OF THE BEST AT HIS JOB WHILE HE WAS HERE.

FOR ANYONE TO SAY HE DIDN't WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP FOR US DOESN't KNOW ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT FOOTBALL.

YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT A DE RIGHT?

YES RICKY PUTS THE BALL ON THE GROUND LIKE HE's PLANTING WEED AND ALWAYS DID.

RONNIE IS HURT SO MUCH HE SHOULD KNOW THE DOCTORS IN MIAMI BY THEIR FIRST NAMES.

MATTER OF FACT I HEARD HE's GOING TO TO BE NEXT YEARS PATIENT ON HOUSE.

[bigalfy]

Best 2 players on the team before Marshall arrived.....Lex is average and Cobbs a 2nd stringer...I like Sheets very much though...I think unless Cobbs and Hilliard BOTH show a lot this year...itl be a COMPLETE overhaul required for RB next year

[klndry]

You just digging this stuff up now. I think about 4 or 5 weeks ago there were a lot of guys on this blog that seen this coming. In fact more than a few were hoping for a back pick in the top 3 rounds.

[mike1361]

WHY DONT WE OFFER A FREE AGENT CONTRACT TO L.BLOUNT, RB FROM OREGON ..... HE IS BIG AND FAST

[Fin fan in Belgium]

and he might sucker punch a Jets player! alas, he plays for the titans now.

[dolphin killa]

allen , you can't carry my jockstrap , while you excelled at madden footbal i was excelling on the college football fields , SON !!

Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | April 27, 2010 at 12:27 AM

While NJ was posting this, America the beautiful should have been playing in the back ground.

Long live the Lord of the Draft!!!! What an imbecile, allen took you down a notch or two. NJ kept saying goodnight, but stuck around. What do you expect from a liar. This was in the last blog.

[dolphin killa]

allen if you read this. Remember we are on your side bro. Keep up the fight! NJ will see the light.

[David]

Lets look at the RBs for next year NFL Draft...The Trifecta knows next year is the year for RBs. Mark Ingram Alabama, Evan Royster Penn State, Ryan Williams Virginia Tech, Noel Devine West Virginia, and DeMarco Murray Oklahoma.

[hmmm]

Franchise tags will be available if Brown stays healthy enough to warrent using one next year - so yeah, "kind of" in their last year fits just about right since the team has options beyond a long term contract if it so desires.

[dave]

i would think that right now is the perfect time for us to offer ronnie a new contract. He is coming off injury so his value is down. if we get him signed to a 3 year contract thats not overpriced and he goes off this year then we can trade him for great picks, and if he gets injured again we wont have too much invested in him.

[el guru]

RB, TE, C & SS will be our top priorities in next year's draft...