The Miami Dolphins made some news Tuesday by hosting free-agent running back Stevan Ridley. The former New England Patriots tailback was a part-time starter in his four years with the defending Super Bowl champions.

Here are some additional thoughts on the visit and what it means for Miami:

• The Dolphins clearly are bargain hunting at this stage in free agency. The big money is already spent, and Miami reeled in the biggest fish in Pro Bowl defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh for $114 million. Ridley is the kind of player who could help and contribute to Miami on a team-friendly contract. He is coming off a season-ending knee injury in 2014 and is likely to sign a one-year, "show me" contract that the Dolphins have done several times in recent seasons. According to NFLPA records, Miami has just under $12 million in cap room remaining, and a good chunk of that will be used on its incoming rookie class.

• Hosting Ridley for a visit is an indication the Dolphins are not satisfied with their backup tailback situation, which isn't surprising. Currently, Miami has LaMichael James and Damian Williams behind starter Lamar Miller. James hasn't live up to his potential coming out of college and didn’t get to show much last year with the Dolphins. Williams was a pleasant surprise in training camp as an undrafted rookie but still has a lot of growing to do. The Dolphins are searching for a known commodity behind Miller. If not, they could look to next month's draft to find a quality prospect at running back.

• I covered Ridley and the Patriots for two seasons as ESPN.com's AFC East reporter. My scouting report is Ridley consistently ran hard but his production was hot and cold. Ridley had fumbling issues in big spots, which caused New England's coaching staff to lose confidence in his ball security. A change of scenery -- in Miami or elsewhere -- might be good for Ridley.

• Ridley does not bring much as a pass catcher out of the backfield. He has only 23 career receptions in four seasons. Ridley had a specific role in New England: Run hard between the tackles. The Dolphins' coaching staff most likely envisions that same role for Ridley.