Dolphins free agent rumors: CJ Spiller linked to Miami

The Miami Dolphins, already repeatedly linked to free agent defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, are also being tied to another big name free agent this year: running back C.J. Spiller:

Spiller is eligible to become a UFA. I'm told potential suitors considering interest include the Cards, Jets, Dolphins & 49ers at this time.

— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 4, 2015

Spiller will be looking for a new home this year as his previous team, the Buffalo Bills, have agreed to a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles in which Buffalo would send linebacker Kiko Alonso to the Eagles in exchange for running back LeSean McCoy. Clearly, Buffalo is ready to move on from Spiller, who missed seven games last season, but a report from Pro Football Talk indicates the team had tried to bring back Spiller, but the running back turned down a deal that would have paid him $4.5 million a season.

"I hoped that I could return (to Buffalo)," Spiller told NFL Total Access when the news broke of the trade on Tuesday. "Very few guys get to play their whole career at one team, but unfortunately that doesn't happen in this business and I found out today it doesn't happen in this business."

Miami making a run at Spiller would be an interesting decision, given the common belief that the team needs a power running back to compliment starter Lamar Miller. Spiller and Miller are similar running backs, so the team may still need to add the big-bodied runner who can pick up the one- or two-yard conversions.

Spiller becomes a free agent on March 10, when the new league year begins. Teams can begin discussions with his representatives on Saturday when the league's "legal tampering" period opens.