Dolphins trade Drake to Cardinals
The Miami Dolphins have traded running back Kenyan Drake to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a conditional selection in 2020, the team announced Monday.
Miami is receiving a sixth-round pick, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter, who adds the pick could become a fifth-rounder.
Arizona already used its own 2020 fifth-round selection in this year's supplemental draft, so if the pick does become a fifth-rounder, it appears the Dolphins would reacquire the one they sent to the Cardinals for quarterback Josh Rosen in April, reports NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Drake never asked to be dealt but his representatives didn't return the Dolphins' calls when they tried to re-sign the 25-year-old to a contract extension last month, the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson reports.
The move is the latest in Miami's 2019 talent migration, following two blockbuster trades in September that led to safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil departing for greener pastures.
Second-year pro Mark Walton, who had already supplanted Drake as the starting running back in Miami, will now have a more concrete role as the team's feature back. Kalen Ballage will also receive more playing time.
The Cardinals, meanwhile, fill what recently became a gaping hole in their offense.
David Johnson, the team's pricey bell-cow back, has been dealing with various ailments over the past few weeks. Backup Chase Edmonds, who filled in admirably during Week 7, sustained a hamstring injury in Week 8.
Head coach Kliff Kingsbury told reporters postgame that there is "definitely concern" that Edmonds will join Johnson on the shelf for the Cardinals' Week 9 contest Thursday, according to ESPN's Josh Weinfuss.
Drake could see significant work in the backfield against the undefeated San Francisco 49ers if both backs are ruled out, Schefter adds.
The Alabama product isn't enjoying a strong season thus far, posting just 174 yards on the ground and no touchdowns on 3.7 yards per carry through six games. However, he did manage over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and nine total scores in 2018.
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