Miami Dolphins sign running back Sony Michel

The Miami Dolphins added yet another offensive weapon to their roster, signing running back Sony Michel. Michel, who began his career with the New England Patriots before being traded to the Los Angeles Rams prior to last season, appeared in 17 games for the Rams in 2021 with 7 starts, and scored 4 touchdowns in the regular season.

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network was among the first to report the move:

Michel was drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft by the Patriots, and appeared in 13 regular-season games with 8 starts as a rookie. He became a workhorse for the Patriots down the stretch that season, as the Patriots relied heavily on their rushing attack in the final weeks of the regular season and through the playoffs.

That year, he ran for 129 yards and three touchdowns in New England’s Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Chargers, and ran for another 113 yards and two more scores in the AFC Championship game. He also scored the only touchdown of Super Bowl LIII, as the Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3.

He battled injuries during the bulk of his career with the Patriots, and was traded to the Rams prior to last season when running back Cam Akers suffered a torn Achilles right before training camp. He had a pair of 100-yard rushing games in the closing weeks for the Rams, and started their first playoff game, a win over the Arizona Cardinals. As Akers regained his strength after returning from his injury, Michel saw his role with the Rams diminished.

Early in his career, Michel was a better fit for gap and power designs, particularly running behind fullback James Develin in New England. As he continued his career both with the Patriots and the Rams, he grew into a scheme-diverse back, with better feel for zone running schemes. Incoming head coach Mike McDaniel is expected to mix things up schematically, and Michel gives the Dolphins another weapon in their running back room.