As the NFL preseason heats up, the Miami Dolphins are making headlines not just for their strategic plays on the field but also for the tough decisions looming off it. At the heart of this pre-season drama is Salvon Ahmed, the team’s longest-tenured running back, who now finds himself on the brink of being cut from the roster.
Shift in Miami Dolphins Backfield
Salvon Ahmed, once a promising undrafted free agent (UDFA) picked up by the Dolphins, is reportedly “at serious risk” of losing his spot, as detailed by Pierre Taylor of the Miami Herald. Despite his experience and previous contributions, the influx of new talent and strategic shifts under head coach Mike McDaniel have seen Ahmed’s role significantly diminish.
Since McDaniel’s appointment in 2022, the Dolphins have welcomed former San Francisco 49ers running backs Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr., both familiar with McDaniel’s playbook and style. However, their injury-prone careers haven’t opened as many opportunities for Ahmed as one might expect.
The team further crowded the running back room by selecting De’Von Achane in the draft last year and recently adding Jaylen Wright, a fourth-round pick.
Salvon Ahmed’s Journey and Performance
Ahmed’s journey with the Dolphins has been a rollercoaster of highs and limited opportunities. He made a notable impact in his rookie year, 2020, amassing 380 yards from scrimmage and scoring three touchdowns.
His performance caught a slight downturn in 2021 with 266 yards, and over the last two seasons, his role has been minimal, tallying only 221 yards and three touchdowns. Despite this, his early performances have shown flashes of potential, earning positive reviews from analysts at Pro Football Focus.
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Miami Dolphins Financial Implications and Future Prospects
Releasing Ahmed could be a financially sound decision for the Dolphins. If they move forward without him, they would not suffer any hit against their salary cap, which stands in stark contrast to Wilson’s situation, who has a $1.2 million potential dead cap. This makes Ahmed a more likely candidate for release from a fiscal standpoint.
For Ahmed, a release might open new doors. Freed from the constraints of a crowded depth chart in Miami, he could find opportunities to showcase his talent and untapped potential elsewhere in the league, where his experience and agility could be better utilized.
An Uncertain but Hopeful Horizon
As the preseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Ahmed and the Dolphins’ management decisions. While the situation presents a challenging phase in Ahmed’s career, it also poses a possible turning point where he could redefine his path in the NFL. Whether with the Dolphins or elsewhere, Ahmed’s journey in professional football is far from over.
