MIAMI GARDENS, FL - OCTOBER 22: Jay Ajayi #23 of the Miami Dolphins rushes during a game against the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Jay Ajayi is leaving Miami after just two years.
The Dolphins announced Tuesday they traded the running back to the Philadelphia Eagles for a fourth-round draft pick.
Ajayi, 24, was born in London, England to Nigerian parents and moved to Maryland at the age of seven. He posted this Instagram tribute Tuesday morning:
Ajayi has rushed 138 times for 465 yards (3.4 average) over seven games with Miami this season. In 2016, he compiled more than 1,200 yards (4.9 per carry) with eight touchdowns.
The Dolphins (4-3) are the first team since the 2013 Rams to not have a rushing touchdown in their first seven games.
In Philadelphia, Ajayi joins a crowded backfield that also includes LeGarrette Blount, Wendell Smallwood, Corey Clement and Kenjon Barner. The Eagles (7-1) have the best record in the NFL, and are coming off a 33-10 victory over hopeless San Francisco (0-8). Philadelphia next hosts the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman, however, said Blount will remain the starting running back for an offense that already ranks third overall in production.
Ajayi — a former Boise State star — was selected to the 2016 Pro Bowl after finishing fourth in the league with 1,272 rushing yards, the third-highest season total in Dolphins history. He had an early run-in with coach Adam Gase when he voiced discontent with not earning the starting job over Arian Foster at the start of the 2016 season. Ajayi missed that season’s opener against the Seattle Seahawks.
Miami could turn to 2016 third-round pick Kenyan Drake as their starter. Drake has only 25 rushing yards this season on ten carries.
Ajayi’s rookie contract runs through 2018. According to Pro Football Focus, Ajayi ranks first (81) in most forced missed tackles since 2016.
Overall, Ajayi has rushed for 1,924 yards and 9 touchdowns in 31 games for Miami since he joined the team in 2015.
The Dolphins will host the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, one week after their brutal 40-0 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – OCTOBER 22: Jay Ajayi #23 of the Miami Dolphins rushes during a game against the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
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