Vonta Leach has tested the patience of teams for too long. Now as a result, interested teams are pulling back their offers, making the pickings for the fullback incredibly slim. Leach's options are slowly dwindling, leaving him to likely sign with a team that he did not expect to. After getting released by the Baltimore Ravens in the offseason, Leach will likely re-sign with the team after the Miami Dolphins declare they will no longer pursue the veteran.
The Miami Herald reports the Dolphins are prepared to not have Leach on the team after the fullback took too long to decide on the offer. The organization has shown a willingness to make moves in order to become a contending team, but is deciding to not free up a roster spot for Leach. The fullback would have been a natural fit in the backfield with his abilities to block.
Just because the Dolphins are denying any further interest now, they could change their minds once training camp opens next week. As of now, third-year fullback Charles Clay is the starter with the hopes that Lamar Miller develops into a star running back. Leach would be a strong upgrade and help in the efforts of making Miller a three-down reliable back.
Leach is now forced to consider re-signing with the Ravens if he wants to be on a roster by training camp. ESPN reports the team has offered Leach a $2 million contract deal and told the fullback this was their last offer. Leach's agent Ralph Vitolo said the door remained open to return.
"Of course, Vonta likes the Ravens," Vitolo said. "Why wouldn't he? Maybe he ends up back there. Who knows? Until it happens, there's no sense in pure speculation."
Leach is a three-time Pro Bowler who jumped on the scene after a successful stint with the Houston Texans. He signed with the Ravens in 2011 and helped turn Ray Rice into the running back he is today. The 31-year-old veteran is likely the best available free agent at the moment.
Both Leach and the Dolphins playing chicken with another could be destructive. If Leach continues to be picky, both the Dolphins'- and the Ravens' offers could be completely off the table, leaving him with nothing. If the Dolphins continue to hold out, Leach could head back to Baltimore, leaving Miami with an inexperienced player.
