LaMichael James to Dolphins: Latest Contract Details, Comments, Reaction

Updates from Wednesday, Oct. 1

Andy Kent of the Associated Press passed along comments from LaMichael James and head coach Joe Philbin after the running back signed in Miami:

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'I kept in contact and I could have just stayed then but I wanted to come in here and be ready to earn my spot,' James said. 'I actually called them and told them I was ready. I'm all in and the GM (Dennis Hickey), he's an outstanding guy and was really positive with me and told me the door was open. I think I belong in this league. I think I can help this team win and I can make plays.'

(...)

'He's got a lot of skill. He's a talented guy,' Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin said. 'He's got good ball skills and he's got speed and we want to have a chance to work with him for a little bit and see what comes of it. We like his athleticism, his playmaking ability, he's got hands and he can run. So we'll take a look at him.'

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Original Text

Free-agent running back LaMichael James has found a new NFL home, agreeing to a contract with the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday.

James' agent Jeff Sperbeck had the news:

Andrew Abramson of The Palm Beach Post notes a key detail with the signing of James: 

James was a 2012 second-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers out of Oregon and was coveted for his big-play ability as a ball-carrier, pass-catcher and return man. However, San Francisco has more of a physical, power-running style that didn't suit James well.

The selection of former Ohio State star Carlos Hyde in the second round of this year's draft pushed James down the depth chart behind the rookie and veteran Frank Gore. Hyde ran for 50 yards and a touchdown on seven carries in his NFL debut, and not long thereafter James requested to be released.

Sperbeck weighed in on his client's departure from San Francisco.

"They weren't utilizing him, and he was frustrated," said Sperbeck, per The Sacramento Bee's Matt Barrows. "It was a combination of the two."

Pro Football Focus highlighted how little James had played in three years as a 49er:

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Former 2012 2nd round pick LaMichael James got on the field for 139 snaps during his time with the 49ers. Easy to see why he wanted out

— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) September 8, 2014"

Cian Fahey of Rotoworld implied James would have an opportunity to make an impact elsewhere:

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LaMichael James was released also. I like him a little more than most. Not all that dynamic, but can find hole and accelerate through it.

— Cian Fahey (@Cianaf) September 8, 2014"

Now the Dolphins figure to make James a bigger part of their offensive game plan.

It will be interesting to follow how James' career unfolds in this next phase, because he's never had much of an opportunity to contribute on a consistent basis. Although someone of James' diminutive stature isn't likely to be a feature back in the NFL, he ought to be fresh enough to provide an explosive change of pace in Miami's backfield.

With a skill set that suggests he can rack up all-purpose yards in a hurry, it's no surprise James caught on rather quickly with a new team. Going through adversity and not playing much in San Francisco should offer James plenty of motivation moving forward to fulfill his draft placement and prove he can play consistently at a high level in the pros.

At just 24 years old, James has plenty of time to redeem an underwhelming start to his career. With fresh legs and a new environment, all the elements are in place for James to thrive.