Will 2010 Be Ronnie Brown's Last Season With The Miami Dolphins?

After the Miami Dolphins selected Ronnie Brown with the second overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, both the team and its fans had images of a bruising, yet elusive running back who could quickly erase the burning memories of Ricky Williams.

Five years later, however, Brown has played just one full season, rushed for 1,000 yards only once, and earned one, lone Pro Bowl selection.

In fact, the man he was brought in to replace, Williams, has returned from exile to steal carries and perform on par with Brown.

Not quite what the Dolphins and their fans had in mind.

Still, Brown has managed to grow into the face of Miami's franchise, and is easily the team's most popular player. Despite his many injuries, Brown has managed to produce at a solid level, and Williams' presence has eased Brown's workload.

But his inability to stay healthy and lackluster production might overshadow his popularity and production, leaving Brown on his way out of Miami after the 2010 season.

Brown is currently in the final year of his contract, and the Dolphins have yet to come forward with a long-term extension. The running back will turn 29 this season, and with such a long list of major injuries on his record, any type of long-term deal seems rather unlikely.

However, Miami really has nowhere to turn for running back help.

Williams has already announced that 2010 will be his last season in the NFL, and Lex Hilliard impressed few in his 2009 playing time, although he does appear to have some potential.  

The Dolphins could place the franchise tag on Brown next season, and pursue a running back of the future in the draft. However, Miami likely won't pick until the latter portions of the first or second rounds, leaving their options limited.

Ideally, Brown and the Dolphins can agree to a relatively short, moderately priced contract that can hold the bridge over until Miami can find a young back.

Either way, the Dolphins have dug themselves into a deep hole at running back that must be solved sooner rather than later.