In a surprise twist of events, and the latest in the Kalen Ballage saga, the running back will not be traded to AFC East division New York Jets. The Miami Dolphins will instead likely release Ballage after failing a physical with the Jets, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Ballage, 24, was going to be released anyway by the Dolphins, who instead found an unlikely trading partner with their division rival Jets. However, a failed physical negated the deal, leading to what looks like the original Plan A for Miami—releasing the third-year running back.

Ballage was in fifth rushing yards for Miami during the 2019 season, second in rushing touchdowns, and led the team in carries in a tumultuous season for the Dolphins' backfield, which saw numerous injuries and trades dismantle the group. In fact, veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick ended up leading the team in rushing yards (243) and touchdowns (four) last season.

The Dolphins originally selected Ballage in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Arizona State. Miami call in reinforcements for its backfield in 2020, however, after trading for San Francisco 49ers rusher Matt Breida.

Meanwhile, for the Jets, their running back corps is trending in the wrong direction, much like the Dolphins' of yesteryear. The group is headlined by former Pro Bowl running backs Le'Veon Bell and Frank Gore, but the former's first season in New York last year was a dud and Gore—the third-leading rusher in NFL history—is 37 years young.

It looks like Ballage will soon be a free agent after his release by the Dolphins.