Ripple effect

Retirement of Dolphins' Williams will impact backfield priorities

By Ryan "The Warden" Houston, Special to SI.com

In what can only be termed extraordinary, the NFL offseason took another surprising turn when Ricky Williams reportedly decided to retire. This is an astounding development and one that has surely taken the Miami Dolphins brass by surprise.

Fantasy football fans also felt a jolt, as one of the most talented running backs in the NFL is no longer an option for their upcoming drafts. With several teams using a running-back-by-committee approach, Williams was a strong mid- to late-first round selection and the type of player fantasy owners could depend on throughout the season.

Additionally, with numerous fantasy drafts recently completed, some owners are left trying to figure out what move to make next. Losing Williams (who most owners drafted in the first round) puts fantasy teams in a huge bind and replacing him is nearly impossible. The only option for Ricky owners will be to make a trade.

If you're a Ricky Williams owner, here are some names you should consider. If you hear that any of them are an option, you better start talking to the owners who have them. At best they are your opponents' third or fourth running back, so the opportunity is there to consummate a trade. However, nothing is easy and just, as the Dolphins will have a hard time pulling the trigger ... so will you.

Trade Options

Lamont Jordan, New York Jets -- The former Terrapin has been very vocal about his desire to become a full-time player. The Jets turned down overtures from the Cowboys and failed to get Denver interested in a package surrounding Jordan in a deal for Clinton Portis. The idea that the Jets would help their divisional rival is highly unlikely so don't expect it unless they are overwhelmed.

Anthony Thomas, Chicago Bears -- While Lovie Smith keeps talking like A-Train has an opportunity in the current offensive scheme, don't believe the hype. A-Train has a similar running style to Ricky and could be a good fit in Miami.

Onterrio Smith, Minnesota Vikings -- There were some rumors swirling that the Vikings were looking to unload one of their running back options. Recent pro-Michael Bennett statements from head coach Mike Tice indicate that the job is Bennett's as long as he stays healthy. Remember, Tice really likes Larry Ned and they recently added depth to their running back corps when they selected Mewelde Moore in the draft.

Lamar Gordon, St. Louis Rams -- You never know what Mike Martz is thinking because he talks in circles. However, despite the fact Martz was upset about Steven Jackson missing camps and workouts, the opportunity to make his team better via trade will make him forgive Jackson.

Najeh Davenport, Green Bay Packers -- The former Hurricane would love the opportunity to be a primary back and has no opportunity to fulfill his dreams in Green Bay. Davenport would also love the opportunity to return to Miami and have a chance to shine in front of his fans and family. This makes a lot of sense but the Packers better really like Tony Fisher to make this a reality.

Larry Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs -- Can the Chiefs get the first-round pick back they spent on a guy that has very limited options on a team featuring a healthy Priest Holmes? Really depends on how desperate the Dolphins get but don't count it out. Desperation is going to set in and the Dolphins can ill afford not to take a chance on landing a franchise RB if the opportunity arises.

James Mungro, Indianapolis Colts -- While he may not be much of an upgrade to Travis Minor, Mungro did a nice job filling in for an injured Edgerrin James two years ago. With Dominic Rhodes healthy and entrenched as the backup, Mungro could be a cheap alternative.

Hopefully your fantasy league will open the waiver wire before the season begins. If the Dolphins want to explore the waiver wire here are a few options both of you could consider.

Free Agent Options

James Stewart -- The former Jaguar and Lion does have a couple 1,000-yard seasons under his belt and probably could be had for the league minimum. While he does have history of medical problems, the price might be right for the Dolphins brass. At the minimum he will make a good fallback option.

Ricky Watters -- Recent reports indicate that Watters wants to return to the NFL and this may be his first real opportunity. While it is probably a long shot, the Dolphins have very few solid options remaining.

Stacey Mack -- I must state that I really thought Mack would make a name for himself in Houston. However, after a disappointing season where he took less money and less years guaranteed for a job as a primary rusher he now finds himself on the unemployment line. He could find himself a backup job in Miami.

As you probably get the sense above, I simply don't believe that Sammy Morris or Travis Minor are the answers. The Dolphins depth chart includes Minor, Morris, Leonard Henry, Fred Russell and Renaldo Works ... all of whom have a combined nine starts in the NFL (all of which belong to Sammy Morris).

Ryan E. Houston aka "The Warden" is the owner of FantasyAsylum.com and contributes his widely popular Warden Report to SI.com throughout the NFL season. Ryan Houston is also the President of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association -- FSWA.org -- and recently rolled out an all new mock drafting practice site at MockDrafts.com.