Running back Jeff Wilson wants to run it back with the Miami Dolphins in 2023.
RB Jeff Wilson said on Sports Extra on Fox that he hopes it’s very likely he’ll return to the Dolphins and he has signed with Drew Rosenhaus.
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) March 6, 2023
Wilson, who was acquired midseason by the Dolphins in 2022, added strong physicality and versatility to the team’s backfield. The University of North Texas product was traded to the Dolphins from the San Francisco 49ers on Nov. 1, 2022 in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick.
Wilson was productive for the 49ers last season, racking up 559 all-purpose yards in eight games with the team. However, once the 49ers traded for former Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey, Wilson became expendable.
Wilson landed on his feet, though. The fifth-year running back made an immediate impact in his first game with the Dolphins, rushing for 51 yards and catching three passes for 21 yards and even hauling in a receiving touchdown against the Chicago Bears on Nov. 6, 2022. His performance helped result in a Dolphins victory.
It quickly became clear that Wilson was an upgrade over Chase Edmonds, who had been the Dolphins’ previous starter at running back to open the year. Edmonds underperformed for the team in 2022 and was eventually traded to the Denver Broncos.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel already had plenty of experience with Wilson prior to trading for him as McDaniel was the offensive coordinator for the 49ers from 2017 until 2022.
For the second half of the season, Wilson and Mostert provided a dynamic one-two punch of power and speed for the Dolphins. Both Wilson and Mostert are free agents heading into the 2023 season.
Given Wilson’s history with McDaniel and his success with the Dolphins after being acquired, it’s no small wonder that there is reportedly “mutual interest” between the 27-year old running back and the historic franchise.
The NFL free-agency period begins on March 15, 2023. It will be interesting to see how quickly the Dolphins attempt to sign Wilson, if at all. The team could also potentially look to the NFL draft in late April for some new blood at running back should Wilson and the team fail to come to terms on a deal.
