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The Texans were seemingly devoid of a true starting-caliber running back after the release of longtime franchise cornerstone Arian Foster last Thursday. Just six days later, however, that void has now been filled by the very same man who nearly broke Romeo Crennel's defense all by his damn self in Week Seven of last season - I am of course referring to former Dolphin Lamar Miller.
Former Miami RB Lamar Miller plans to sign with the Houston Texans, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2016
Miller, you may recall, put on a show against J.J. Watt and company in 2015 by running for 175 yards on just 14 carries (12.5 YPC), catching three passes for 61 yards, and scoring two total touchdowns in a blowout 44-26 win. Detractors may point out the fact that his outing against Houston accounted for 20% of his total rushing yards on the year, but in reality that inconsistency in production was not entirely Miller's own fault. The Dolphins were notorious for underutilizing Miller both as a runner and receiver, opting instead to throw a never-ending stream of short passes to move the ball down the field. Hell, Miller only topped 15 carries five times all season while having seven games of 10 or fewer carries despite averaging a healthy 4.5 yards per rush. As you can imagine, former Miami head coach Joe Philbin and offensive coordinator Bill Lazor were both fired midway through the season for that boneheaded and oft-repeated mistake.
As for what Miller can bring to the Texans in 2016, the first word that comes to mind is burst. No other running back on Houston's roster can hurt a defense on the edges or in space like Miller can. As a former track sprinter with legitimate 4.4 speed, he can make a dynamic impact in Bill O'Brien's offense as an elusive, big-play-waiting-to-happen kind of running back that can stay in on all three downs. Assuming that Christian Hackenberg is drafted by the Texans (in the first round or otherwise), this is the kind of versatile weapon that can pair with DeAndre Hopkins to give any rookie quarterback the support system he needs to succeed.
Miller always wanted more touches and a bigger role in Miami. Now the Texans are poised to give him just that. Welcome to H-Town, Lamar.
UPDATE: The terms of Miller's new contract with the Texans:
I'm told RB Lamar Miller will be agreeing on a four-year deal with the #Texans for $26M with $14Ml fully guaranteed.
— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) March 9, 2016
Lamar Miller agreement with Texans is 4yrs/$26M with $14M guaranteed
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 9, 2016