MIAMI – Running back Knowshon Moreno has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins, and they hope he’ll enliven a ground game that ranked 26th in the NFL last season.
Moreno, a five-year veteran, had his best season in 2013 when he rushed for 1,038 yards, caught 60 passes and scored 13 touchdowns playing with Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. He ranked fifth in the NFL with 1,586 yards from scrimmage, and tied for fourth with 10 rushing touchdowns.
Montee Ball, a rookie last year, made Moreno expendable in Denver.
Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas were the Dolphins’ primary ball carriers last season, and both remain on the roster. Moreno has a career average of 4.1 yards per carry, compared to 4.2 for Miller and 3.6 for Thomas.
The Dolphins’ offensive line has been a big reason for their sputtering ground game. The unit also gave up a franchise-record 58 sacks and was rocked by the team’s bullying scandal last year.
Center Mike Pouncey is the lone holdover in the line, and while the Dolphins added left tackle Branden Albert, they’re still shopping for upgrades at guard and right tackle.
Denver made Moreno the 12th overall pick in the 2009 draft after he played at Georgia. He has career rushing totals of 3,468 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Moreno became a social media sensation when he cried during the national anthem before a game in December. He has been slowed by injuries and has played in all 16 games just twice in his career.
Phillips signs with Titans
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Titans have agreed to a multiyear deal with linebacker Shaun Phillips.
The Titans announced the deal Thursday.
The 10-year veteran ranks ninth with 79½ sacks over the past decade in the NFL. He also forced 22 fumbles in 152 career games during his first nine seasons with the San Diego Chargers. The 6-foot-3, 255-pound linebacker played all 16 games for Denver last season with 10 sacks, 36 tackles, an interception and two forced fumbles.
General manager Ruston Webster said Phillips is a flexible linebacker who adds to the Titans’ pass rush with his play and experience.
Phillips has missed only eight games in his career. He is now the second linebacker Tennessee has signed this month who played for Denver last season, joining Wesley Woodyard.
