By JEFF DARLINGTON
FOXSportsFlorida.com.com Dolphins Contributor
When it comes to optimizing the value of his next contract, Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown might have a few things working against him at the bargaining table this offseason: honesty, loyalty and a mediocre season.
Brown is making it very clear that he wants to return to Miami next season despite negotiations that have made little progress toward completing an extension before the year's end.
"I haven't given up hope," Brown said Monday. "I know there's a chance I won't be back here. That's something I think about. It's tough because I've grown so attached to this community and this area."
Surely, though, he'll be able to separate himself from the situation emotionally to make sure he gets the best deal, right?
"I would like to say it will be easy for me, but I don't think it will," Brown said. "I've been here for six years."
Brown, the team's Man of the Year nominee, has been very popular within South Florida's community. And his mentality only will make him more well-liked by the Dolphins' fan base.
Whether it ultimately helps him remains to be seen.
Brown isn't exactly having a stellar year, averaging 3.8 yards per carry in an offense that could be the root of the issue. But he's also 29, which means teams are likely to use this year as leverage when placing a value on him.
As a result, Brown knows these next two games will be very important to him
