Dolphins Have Shown Interest In Signing RB Kenyan Drake To Extension

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, citing a source with direct knowledge, reports that the Dolphins have shown interest in signing RB Kenyan Drake to an extension in recent weeks. In fact, Jackson says Miami has had conversations with Drake’s representation about a new deal.

Drake has come up as a potential trade candidate leading up to this year’s trade deadline. According to Jackson, if the two parties are unable to reach an agreement on an extension, Drake could be made available.

A source who has been in touch with the Dolphins tells Jackson that their belief is Drake is available “for the right price.” However, Miami has gotten the impression that they couldn’t get very much in return for him at this point.

Jackson says there’s a sentiment within the Dolphins about not paying big money at the running back position, which further complicates extension talks.

Miami will have plenty of cap space to work with next year, and Jackson points out that spending money on free agents would almost certainly eliminate a compensatory pick for letting Drake walk. With this in mind, it would make the most sense for the Dolphins to either trade him or sign him to a new deal.

Last month, Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reported that the Dolphins had called around and attempted to trade Drake. However, other reports later downplayed the Dolphins’ interest in trading him. 

Drake, 25, is a former third-round pick of the Dolphins back in 2016. He’s currently in the final year of his four-year, $3.5 million contract and stands to make a base salary of $810,000 for the 2019 season.

Drake is in line to be an unrestricted free agent in 2020.

In 2019, Drake has appeared in five games for the Dolphins and rushed for 153 yarsd on 41 carries (3.7 YPC) to go along with 19 receptions for 137 yards receiving and no touchdowns.