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Dolphins free agent rumors: C.J. Anderson a possibility for running back

The Miami Dolphins lost starting running back Lamar Miller on Wednesday to the Houston Texans. They could be looking for a Super Bowl champion as his replacement.

Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

The Super Bowl MVP, traditionally, goes to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida for a day of celebration. A running back that scored a touchdown and ran for 90 yards in the Super Bowl? He could be headed for a more southern location on a permanent trip. According to Mike Klis of KUSA, the Miami Dolphins are one of four teams trying to land Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson in free agency this offseason.

Anderson is a restricted free agent, but was given the lowest tender by the Broncos, meaning he is scheduled to make $1.671 million this year, but can negotiate for a long-term deal with another franchise. If he signs an offer sheet, the Broncos would then have five days to match the offer. If they do not match the offer, Anderson would sign with the new team. Because Anderson was given the lowest tender, there is no draft-pick compensation tied to the move.

A team could choose to trade for Anderson, providing the Broncos with a late-round draft pick in an effort to ensure Denver does not match the offer.

Along with the Dolphins, Klis says the Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, and San Francisco 49ers are also interested in acquiring Anderson.

Anderson signed as an undrafted free agent with the Broncos in 2013. He only say playing time in five games as a rookie, with seven carries for 38 yards. In 2014, Anderson played in 15 games, with 7 starts, and carried the ball 179 times for 849 yards with 8 touchdowns. Last season, Anderson struggled early in the season as the Broncos' offensive line dealt with injuries, but came on strong in the second half of the season and finished the year with 152 carries for 720 yards and 5 touchdowns. He also caught 25 passes for 183 yards.

In the playoffs, Anderson carried the ball 54 times for 234 yards and two touchdowns, along with 9 receptions for 39 yards.

The Dolphins could use Anderson to bolster a running back group that lost starter Lamar Miller on Wednesday when he signed a free agent contract with the Houston Texans. Miami's running back corps is currently led by Jay Ajayi, a second-year runner with a lot of promise, but concerns about how long his knee will be able to withstand work at the NFL level. A two-headed approach between Ajayi and another running back would keep Ajayi healthy longer and ease concerns about what the team would do if something happened to his knee.

Miami also has running backs Damien Williams and Jahwan Edwards on the roster.