Dolphins trade RB Ajayi to Eagles for 4th round pick

Ajayi's numbers dip this year after 1,272-yard, 8 TD 2nd season in Miami

DAVIE, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins have pulled off a shocking trade that will send running back Jay Ajayi to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick.

The deal came just hours before the NFL's 4 p.m. trade deadline.

Drafted in the fifth-round in 2015, Ajayi rushed for 1,272 yards and eight touchdowns in his second season with the Dolphins.

However, Ajayi's numbers have dropped this season, rushing for just 465 yards and no touchdowns, while his yards per carry is down to a 3.4 average.

Dolphins coach Adam Gase signaled his displeasure with Ajayi last week after Miami was routed 40-0 at Baltimore, noting missed blocking assignments in pass protection.

"The running back, we never blocked the right guy," Gase said. "I don't even know if we know who we've got. We've got to get that fixed."

Last year, Ajayi was lauded for his durability and ability to break tackles. He helped the Dolphins reach the playoffs for the first time since 2008, and joined O.J. Simpson, Earl Campbell and Tiki Barber as the only players to rush for 200 yards three times in a season.

Ajayi has been held out of practice a lot this year to protect his knees, and the Dolphins may have doubts about his longevity.

Ajayi, who still has one year left on his rookie contract, wrote on Twitter that he was "thankful for the relationships & memories" he made in Miami.

"THE TRAIN ROLLS ON TO PHILLY," Ajayi wrote.

Ranking last in the league in total offense with 252.4 yards per game, Miami is currently 4-3 and face the Raiders on Sunday night.

Kenyan Drake and Damien Williams will most likely shoulder the load at running back in Ajayi's place, although like their traded collegue, neither has scored a touchdown this season.