The Miami Dolphins have traded running back Kalen Ballage to the New York Jets, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

In a change of plans, the Dolphins were planning on simply releasing the running back, but the Jets stepped in.

Clearly, New York was worried that other teams would pursue Ballage pretty heavily. Due to that, they did not want to risk the running back deciding to go somewhere else. So they decided to swap a conditional late-round pick for him instead.

Even with getting the draft pick, this might be considered an odd move by the Dolphins simply because they willingly sent a player to a rival team.

Ballage is still just 24; he had a strong rookie season in 2018 after being a fourth-round selection (131st overall) by the Dolphins. He averaged 5.3 yards per carry (although it was on just 36 rushes). But that was certainly a strong start to his career.

However, 2019 was rough. Ballage saw a major dip in production. The running back managed just 1.8 yards per carry. This time, on 74 carries he had 135 yards. That's actually less than the 191 yards he had on 38 less carries the season before.

Ballage did manage three touchdowns (compared to just one in 2018), but that is not much of a consolation prize. Meanwhile, he has 23 receptions for just 119 receiving yards so far in his career.

The numbers simply have not been great for the youngster, and 2019 was particularly bad. But there is plenty of potential in his game, potential that shined through in 2018.

So while Miami is done with him, the Jets clearly see something there and want to give him a look.

Considering they traded a draft pick for him and did not just wait to pick him up in free agency, New York must have a decent opinion on the running back.

Expect Ballage to get a fair look with the Jets. Even if it does not turn out to be much, it's hard to imagine they would go through all this trouble just to kick him to the curb without a real shot.

Could Ballage find his footing in New York?