The Miami Dolphins have their newest running back. How does the move impact Chase Edmond’s fantasy outlook now that he’s out of Arizona? Andrew Erickson and Pat Fitzmaurice provide their rapid reactions to the deal.
And don’t miss the rest of our takeaways from all of the recent news:
- Tom Brady’s Return
- Carson Wentz Trade
- Russell Wilson Trade
- Calvin Ridley Suspension
- Aaron Rodgers Contract Extension
- Mike Williams Contract Extension
- NFL Franchise Tag Reactions
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The Miami Dolphins were in dire need of upgrading the running back position, and they got their guy in Chase Edmonds. The ex-Arizona Cardinals RB inked a two-year deal worth $12.6 million that includes $6.1 million guaranteed, per his agent @DrewJRosenhaus.
Edmonds should see plenty of work in a backfield shared by Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed, two running backs that ranked outside the top-60 in PFF rushing grades a season ago. Part of that is because the Miami Dolphins pass-blocking unit has been dreadful – 30th in PFF run-blocking – but poor run-blocking did not stop Edmonds from being uber-efficient in 2021.
The Cardinals’ run-blocking graded just as poorly as Miami’s (31st), but Edmonds still finished with five yards per carry.
It’s no guarantee that efficiency carries over to Miami – their OL is a mess – but Edmonds’ pass-catching chops should mitigate inefficient rushing numbers. Before his injury in Week 7, Edmonds ranked fourth in the NFL in receptions among running backs (four catches and five targets per game). He was the fantasy RB21 through six weeks.
Edmonds won’t be a true three-down back due to durability concerns, as he missed seven games this past season. But used properly and kept healthy, there’s no denying Edmonds can be a viable fantasy option because of his receiving and explosiveness.
His spot-start usage/production in Weeks 16-17 without James Conner in the lineup – 23.9 expected fantasy points per game – showcases a running back who can deliver massive fantasy upside any given week.
Considering Gaskins’ fantasy spike weeks in 2021 all came from his receiving usage, Edmonds should find similar success in that role with the Dolphins.
Chase Edmonds weekly finishes when he’s gotten at least 11 touches (PPR)
RB1, RB5, RB15, RB19, RB21, RB25, RB30, RB18, RB19, RB25, RB13, RB27, RB6, RB26#WELCOMETOMIAMI
– Andrew Erickson™ (@AndrewErickson_) March 14, 2022
In best-ball drafts I’ve done lately, Edmonds has elicited a collective yawn from the market. Drafters are likely to show more interest now that Edmonds is going to Miami, widely considered to be one of the more attractive landing spots for free-agent and rookie RBs. The Dolphins never really settled on a running back last year, and the versatile Edmonds is sure to have a firm foothold in the Miami backfield this fall. Edmonds figures to share work with Myles Gaskins or someone else, but this signing should at least elevate Edmonds to midrange RB3 fantasy draft status, if not a slightly higher tier.
– Pat Fitzmaurice
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