Dolphins trade rumors: Doug Martin a possibility?

Could the Miami Dolphins target Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin ahead of this afternoon's NFL trade deadline? According to the Miami Herald's Armando Salguero, it's a possibility.

Salguero wrote yesterday that the Dolphins have called the Buccaneers about Martin, trying to gauge his availability, and the asking price. It does not sound like a deal has been offered, but the two sides at least have made contact.

Miami could be shopping for a running back to replace Knowshon Moreno, who landed on injured reserve earlier this year with a torn ACL. Moreno also missed several games after dislocating his elbo in Week 2 against the New England Patriots.

Moreno was expected to be the workhorse back for the Dolphins this season, despite the team listing Lamar Miller as the starter. With Moreno out, Miller has proven to be a capable starting running back and is currently tenth in the league in rushing yards and seventh among running backs in yards per carry. He has started to see his touches climb with the loss of Moreno, which is where a trade for Martin could make sense.

Behind Moreno, Miami has Daniel Thomasand Damien Williams. Thomas has actually played well since he returned to the Dolphins after Week 2, and could be asked to take on more of the load as the Dolphins look to spell Miller throughout the season. Thomas was released from the team in the preseason for a reason, however, and the Dolphins coaching staff does not seem set on him being the number two option. He is currently 83rd in the league in rushing yardage with 93 yards on just 18 carries. In comparison, quarterback Ryan Tannnehill has 27 carries this year for 198 yards and Miller has 95 carries this season.

Moreno, who essentially played one whole game and two partial contests this season, had 31 carries for 148 yards.

Miami general manager Dennis Hickey was a member of the Buccaneers front office in 2012 when Tampa Bay drafted Martin in the first round. He ran for over 1,400 yards as a rookie, but injuries landed him on injured reserve last year, and continued to bother him at the start of this season. He has 58 carries for 166 yards this season, giving him just a 2.9 yards per carry average. He has scored once.

What would it take to get Martin? Are the Dolphins truly interested in landing him? Are there other running backs Miami would considering acquiring?

Everything will have to be answered by 4pm ET today.

 UPDATE: The trade never materialized.